How to Register an X-Ray Machine in Iowa: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Opening or changing an X-ray facility in Iowa can feel confusing. This guide puts the state-level steps, forms, filing links, fees, and contacts in one place.
Heartland Physics can prepare the shielding design Iowa needs, complete the technical calculations, and help the facility organize its registration and installation records.
Quick answer
Iowa registers radiation-producing machines through its Regulatory Licensing Portal. A new medical facility or new medical X-ray installation also needs a shielding review. A stationary machine may not be used until the required shielding review and registration steps are complete.
Start here: official forms and filing links
Each blue button opens the exact official form, portal, or state instruction page in a new tab.
What to gather before you start
• Facility legal name, address, owner, and contacts
• Machine type, manufacturer, model, serial number, and installation date
• Room drawing, surrounding-area use, workload, distance, and machine technical data for shielding
• Installer's FDA Form 2579
• Equipment Performance Evaluation report
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Request the correct shielding-review form
Email radhealthia@hhs.iowa.gov and say: Please send the shielding review request form for a new [machine type] installation at [facility name and address].
Step 2: Complete the shielding design
For a stationary medical machine, submit the shielding-review package before installation and use. Heartland Physics can prepare the room drawing, calculations, and design report.
Step 3: Create or use the portal account
Open the Iowa Regulatory Licensing Portal. Choose the radiation-machine facility application or renewal that matches the facility. Enter the facility and machine information.
Step 4: Finish the installation records
The installer must file FDA Form 2579 within 15 days. Arrange the required Equipment Performance Evaluation within 30 days and keep the report.
Step 5: Pay the invoice and keep the annual registration current
Iowa places the invoice in the portal after review. Pay it online. Registration is annual, so complete the portal renewal each year.
Cost
Iowa charges annual facility and equipment fees. The portal shows the current amount after the machine and facility information is entered.
State contact
Iowa HHS Bureau of Radiological Health: radhealthia@hhs.iowa.gov, 515-242-5566, choose prompt 3 for radiation machines.
Keep these records together
• Submitted application and payment receipt
• Current registration certificate or license
• Shielding design, calculations, and state review letter when applicable
• Installer paperwork, FDA Form 2579 when applicable, acceptance tests, and equipment-performance reports
• Operating procedures, staff training, dosimetry, maintenance, and inspection records that apply to the facility
Important reminder
This guide covers the usual state-level radiation-machine process. Mammography, radiation therapy, mobile use, healing-arts screening, and some industrial systems can have extra approvals. Complete those extra steps when they apply to your equipment.
Official source and review date
Heartland Physics last checked this guide against the official state source on August 13, 2026.