How to Register an X-Ray Machine in Virginia: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Opening, buying, moving, or changing an X-ray facility in Virginia can involve several radiation-control steps. This guide puts the ordinary registration sequence, official links, timing, fees, and records in one place.
Heartland Physics can review the project scope and confirm whether its current qualifications and authorization cover any shielding work required for this project. Use the current government sources linked below for registration, plan review, fees, inspections, and filing requirements.
Quick answer
Virginia requires X-ray machines to be registered with the Office of Radiological Health, subject to limited exceptions. The medical registration process instructs facilities to register within 30 days following installation and request the required initial inspection.
Start here: official forms and filing links
Use the official links below for the current application, instructions, or radiation-control program page. State forms and fees can change, so use the current agency version rather than an old saved copy.
What to gather before you start
• Facility legal name, physical location, mailing/billing information, and responsible owner or operator
• Each X-ray machine's manufacturer, model, serial number, tube information, room/location, and intended use
• Radiation Safety Officer or Radiation Protection Officer information when the jurisdiction requests it
• Shielding plan, room drawing, workload/occupancy assumptions, or plan-review documentation when applicable
• Installer or assembler reports, acceptance testing, inspection/calibration records, and applicable professional credentials
• Current registration fee or payment information
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Handle the room and shielding requirements
Review shielding and room-layout requirements before installation, and keep the completed shielding design and related radiation-protection records with the facility's machine registration file.
Step 2: Complete the registration application
Complete Virginia Form RH-F-2, Medical X-Ray Machine Registration, with the facility, owner, machine, and tube information requested by the Office of Radiological Health.
Step 3: Submit the application and fee
Submit RH-F-2 within 30 days following installation using the current VDH instructions and request the initial inspection required for the machine.
Step 4: Complete the post-filing requirements
VDH assigns facility/machine registration information and decals as applicable. Keep the registration, shielding records, installer information, and inspection documentation at the facility.
Step 5: Renew and report changes
Virginia assesses the X-ray machine registration fee annually. Keep the registration current and report machine or facility changes to VDH.
Cost
The current VDH medical X-ray page lists a $100 annual registration fee. Confirm the current amount for the facility and machine category before payment.
State contact
Virginia Office of Radiological Health: radhealth-comments@vdh.virginia.gov; 804-864-8150.
Keep these records together
• Submitted registration application and payment receipt
• Current registration certificate, permit, license, or equipment decal information
• Shielding design, calculations, room drawings, and state plan-review correspondence when applicable
• Installer/assembler paperwork, acceptance tests, calibration records, and equipment-performance reports
• Inspection reports, operating procedures, staff training, dosimetry, maintenance, and other records required for the facility
Important reminder
This is a practical guide to the ordinary radiation-machine registration process, not a substitute for the regulator's current instructions. Mammography, radiation therapy, mobile services, industrial radiography, research equipment, and other specialized uses can trigger additional permits, professional qualifications, inspections, or federal requirements.
Official sources
Source note: Use the current government sources linked on this page. Requirements, forms, fees, contacts, and procedures can change.
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