How to Register an X-Ray Machine inAlabama: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Opening an X-ray room in Alabama does not have to feel confusing. This page gives the complete state-level path for registering medical, dental, veterinary, chiropractic, and similar X-ray equipment.

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

Most new fixed X-ray and fluoroscopy rooms need Alabama shielding approval before installation. The facility must also register every X-ray machine before use. Alabama asks applicants to allow at least six weeks for a complete shielding review.

Start here: forms and direct filing links

Each button opens the exact official form or instruction page in a new tab.

What to gather

• Legal facility name and physical address
• Owner and facility contact information
• Name of the person responsible for radiation control
• Machine room number, manufacturer, model, serial number, maximum kVp and mA, tube count, machine type, mobility, and use
• Scaled room drawing, nearby room uses, construction materials, and machine placement for the shielding design

Step 1: Decide which shielding path applies

A new fixed X-ray or fluoroscopy installation needs a shielding plan approved before installation. This includes veterinary, cone-beam CT, and bone-density installations. An existing X-ray room may use a radiation-protection survey instead.

A mobile fluoroscopy unit routinely used in one dedicated procedure room needs a shielding plan or survey. A mobile radiographic unit does not need shielding review unless it is being used as a fixed unit.

A dental facility with only panoramic, intraoral, or portable equipment does not need a shielding plan. Handheld dental units follow Alabama’s separate handheld registration instructions.

Step 2: Prepare the shielding package

The shielding package should include the scale drawing, equipment location, workload, adjacent-area use, barrier materials, and site-specific shielding calculations, and it must match the room that will actually be built.

Step 3: Send the shielding package

Email the shielding package to medicalxrayshielding@adph.state.al.us. The mailing option is Alabama Department of Public Health, Office of Radiation Control, P.O. Box 303017, Montgomery, AL 36130-3017. Allow at least six weeks after the state receives a complete package.

Step 4: Complete and send the registration form

Enter the legal facility information, responsible person, and every machine and tube on the fillable registration form. Email the completed form to medicalxrayregistration@adph.state.al.us or mail it to the same Office of Radiation Control address.

Step 5: Wait for shielding approval, then install

Do not install a fixed unit in a new room until the shielding plan is approved. Build the room to match the approved drawing. Keep the approved plan, approval letter, and machine registration with the radiation-safety records.

Step 6: Begin operation only after the paperwork is complete

Alabama normally does not require a state inspection before first use. The shielding approval and facility registration still must be complete, and the equipment must meet all operating, safety, and quality-control rules.

Jefferson County and Birmingham

Jefferson County operates a separate radiation program. Facilities in that county should use the official Jefferson County radiation-program contact page for the county step while also completing the applicable Alabama requirements.

Do not make this mistake

Do not build the walls first. A late shielding change can require opening a wall, replacing a door, adding lead, or moving the machine.

How Heartland Physics can help

Heartland Physics can review the Alabama project and confirm whether its current qualifications and authorization cover the shielding work. Complete any required shielding work before construction so the technical package matches the room that will actually be built.

State program contact

Alabama Office of Radiation Control: use the official state program contact page. Registration email: medicalxrayregistration@adph.state.al.us. Shielding email: medicalxrayshielding@adph.state.al.us.

Source note

Use the current government sources linked on this page. Requirements, forms, fees, contacts, and procedures can change.

The state or local authority controls if a requirement changes before the next review.