QuestionsQuestions (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 124 S. 92)
It is issued pursuant to P.D. 480 (Creation of the Radiation Health Office in the Department of Health) as amended by P.D. 1372, and is consistent with E.O. 119 (Reorganization Act of the Ministry of Health) dated January 30, 1987.
To protect public health by preventing the operation of substandard, improperly managed, and inadequately supported facilities using x-ray devices in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, industry, research, education, anti-crime work, and other areas.
It applies to all entities establishing, operating, or maintaining x-ray facilities. An x-ray facility is an establishment where an x-ray device is intentionally used for irradiation; an x-ray device is an apparatus with a high vacuum tube producing x-rays by bombarding a target with fast-moving electrons.
They are classified as: (1) anti-crime x-ray facilities, (2) clinical x-ray facilities, (3) dental x-ray facilities, (4) education and training x-ray facilities, (5) industrial x-ray facilities, (6) research x-ray facilities, and (7) veterinary x-ray facilities.
As (1) Transportable X-ray Facilities—x-ray devices used inside a properly shielded vehicle, and (2) Stationary X-ray Facilities—x-ray devices used only within the premises of the facility.
Yes. No x-ray facility may operate without a valid DOH license. If found operating without a license, the facility must immediately cease operation; the RHS will incapacitate the x-ray device by detaching one high tension wire connection and sealing it with an RHS seal that only authorized DOH personnel can break upon approval.
A hospital with radiographic, computed tomography, and radiotherapy facilities must have separate x-ray licenses for each. A hospital with both clinical and dental x-ray equipment must have separate licenses for each. Transportable x-ray facilities also require a separate x-ray license.
The facility must be staffed by qualified x-radiation workers and must have a Radiation Safety Officer who is himself an x-radiation worker. It must have calibrated and safe x-ray equipment and adequate accessories for protecting individuals and the public. It must have a well-ventilated, well-lit, clean, and safe physical plant with space sufficient for its activities.
A personal radiation dose monitor measures the radiation dose absorbed by an x-radiation worker. The facility must keep records of occupational radiation doses received by these workers.
The Radiation Health Service must be immediately notified by the licensee. A written report must then be sent to the BLR, including the information on the actions taken to solve or contain the effects of the accident.
Among others: name/citizenship/domicile of the facility head; place/municipality/province of establishment; name of establishment; owner’s name/citizenship/domicile; names and qualifications of x-radiation workers; brand/model/serial numbers/max mA and kVp of the x-ray machine; type of x-ray examinations to be performed; and a notarized statement that the applicant complied with business requirements under existing laws or ordinances necessary for the activity.
Upon receipt of the application, a health physics team of the RHS must undertake a radiation protection survey and evaluation within ninety (90) working days.
It serves as a basis for the RHS Director to recommend to the BLR Director the non-issuance/non-renewal of an x-ray license.
They depend on the unit (per x-ray device) and its milliamperage (mA) category for both initial issuance and renewal.
Renewal application must be filed two (2) months before expiry with the RHS. If filed during the first three (3) months after expiry, a 50% surcharge is added to the renewal fee. After the third month, unrenewed licenses are considered lapsed and a new license must be applied for; if the facility still operates despite a lapsed license, penalties for operating without a license apply.
Yes, it can continue operation even if expired provided no previous adverse action has been taken against it, and unless the Undersecretary of Health for Standards and Regulation orders the facility to cease operation.
Examples include: operation without required qualified personnel; change of ownership/location/personnel without informing the BLR; failure to report changes affecting substantial conditions; refusal to allow inspection; use of equipment failing standards; inadequate radiation protection; operation without necessary accessories; and falsification/untrue statements in applications/supporting documents.
As provided in the penalty clause of P.D. 480: upon conviction, a fine of P500.00 or imprisonment not exceeding six (6) months.