Radiation Control - Public Health Region 1

Purpose

Texas statutes direct Radiation Control to maintain a regulatory program for sources of radiation to protect the citizens of Texas while permitting the development and use of sources of radiation for peaceful purposes consistent with public health and safety and environmental protection. To accomplish this mission, Radiation Control:

Protects all Texans and the environment from public health threats of excessive
exposure to radiation by:

• Developing rules and guidelines that allow for the safe use of radiation
• Evaluating safety procedures and issuing licenses for the use, handling, and possession of radioactive materials
• Registering all devices and equipment that produce radiation
• Preparing emergency and environmental surveillance plans and conducting emergency response activities for fixed nuclear facilities in Texas
• Evaluating the financial qualifications of certain licensees to assure that the applicant is financially qualified to conduct the operations and decontamination, decommissioning, reclamation, and disposal that may become necessary
• Inspecting all entities licensed and registered to use radiation

Acts as the responsible government entity maintaining objectivity and without conflict of interest in regulating the use of radiation in:

• Industry
• Healthcare facilities
• Medical and academic institutions
• Offices of private practitioners
• Mammography facilities

Uses enforcement authority and powers when necessary to:

• Conduct hearings on denials, suspensions, and revocations of licenses and registrations
• Issue emergency orders when immediate action is needed to protect the public health and safety and environment
• Impound sources of radiation from individuals who may not be equipped to observe or fail to observe rules for the safe use of radiation
• Investigate incidents and accidents involving radiation

Provides community-wide protection with inspectors throughout Texas with the authority to enter public or private property to determine whether radiation is being used in compliance with all state rules.

Contacts

For questions relating to radiation, contact Forrest Weston. 

Department of State Health Services, PHR 1
Radiation Control Program
6302 Iola Avenue
Lubbock TX 79424
Phone: 806-783-6489
Fax: 806-783-6486

For questions relating to Mammography, contact Tim Gibson.
For questions relating to X-Ray, contact Shay Christian.

Department of State Health Services, PHR 1
Radiation Control Program
3407 Pony Express Way
Amarillo, TX 79118
Phone: 806-655-7151
Fax: 806-373-4757

DSHS Radiation Control Program Related Links

• DSHS Radiation Control Program
• DSHS Radiation Control Program - Radiological Emergency Contact Information

If you have comments or suggestions email feedback.r01@dshs.texas.gov.