Texas Radiation Safety Awareness Training

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) requires physicians who use radiation in their medical practice to complete radiation safety awareness training. The purpose of the training is to ensure that physicians are aware of the potential hazards associated with radiation and to provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to minimize radiation exposure to themselves, their staff, and their patients.

The radiation safety awareness training for physicians in Texas consists of two components:

1. Online training: Physicians are required to complete an online training course that covers the following topics:
   • Basic radiation safety principles
   • Radiation exposure limits and measurement
   • Biological effects of radiation
   • Radiation protection practices and equipment
   • Texas-specific regulations related to the use of radiation in medicine
2. On-site training: Physicians must also complete on-site training that is specific to the type of radiation-producing equipment they use in their practice. The on-site training must be conducted by a qualified expert in radiation safety and must cover topics such as equipment operation, safety procedures, and emergency response.

The Advanced Training Program in the Safe Use of Fluoroscopy covers all the topics required for the online training component of the Texas rule.  

Once physicians complete both the online and on-site training components, they must pass an exam to demonstrate their understanding of the material. Physicians who successfully complete the training and exam receive a certificate of completion that is valid for two years.