42 CFR § 486.104 - Condition for coverage: Qualifications, orientation and health of technical personnel.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t42/s486.104"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "42 CFR § 486.104 - Condition for coverage: Qualifications, orientation and health of technical personnel."
title_number: 42
title_name: "Public Health"
section_number: "486.104"
section_name: "Condition for coverage: Qualifications, orientation and health of technical personnel."
chapter_name: "CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES"
subchapter_number: "G"
subchapter_name: "STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION"
part_number: "486"
part_name: "CONDITIONS FOR COVERAGE OF SPECIALIZED SERVICES FURNISHED BY SUPPLIERS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "42 U.S.C. 273, 1302, 1320b-8, and 1395hh."
cfr_part: "486"
---


# 486.104 Condition for coverage: Qualifications, orientation and health of technical personnel.

Portable X-ray services are provided by qualified technologists.

(a) *Standard: Qualifications of technologists.* All operators of the portable X-ray equipment meet the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) or (2) of this section.

(1) Successful completion of a program of formal training in X-ray technology at which the operator received appropriate training and demonstrated competence in the use of equipment and administration of portable x-ray procedures; or

(2) Successful completion of 24 full months of training and experience under the direct supervision of a physician who is certified in radiology or who possesses qualifications which are equivalent to those required for such certification.

(b) *Standard—personnel orientation.* The supplier of portable X-ray services has an orientation program for personnel, based on a procedural manual which is: Available to all members of the staff, incorporates relevant portions of professionally recognized documents, and includes instruction in all of the following:

(1) Precautions to be followed to protect the patient from unnecessary exposure to radiation;

(2) Precautions to be followed to protect an individual supporting the patient during X-ray procedures from unnecessary exposure to radiation;

(3) Precautions to be followed to protect other individuals in the surrounding environment from exposure to radiation;

(4) Precautions to be followed to protect the operator of portable X-ray equipment from unnecessary exposure to radiation;

(5) Considerations in determining the area which will receive the primary beam;

(6) Determination of the time interval at which to check personnel radiation monitors;

(7) Use of the personnel radiation monitor in providing an additional check on safety of equipment;

(8) Proper use and maintenance of equipment;

(9) Proper maintenance of records;

(10) Technical problems which may arise and methods of solution;

(11) Protection against electrical hazards;

(12) Hazards of excessive exposure to radiation.

(c) *Standard: Employee records.* Records are maintained and include evidence that—

(1) Each employee is qualified for his or her position by means of training and experience; and

(2) Employees receive adequate health supervision.

[34 FR 388, Jan. 10, 1969. Redesignated at 42 FR 52826, Sept. 30, 1977, and amended at 53 FR 12015, Apr. 12, 1988; 60 FR 45086, Aug. 30, 1995; 73 FR 69942, Nov. 19, 2008; 84 FR 51830, Sept. 30, 2019]