Minimum standards - rules - definition

(1) (a) The board shall adopt rules prescribing minimum standards for the qualifications, education, and training of unlicensed persons operating machine sources of ionizing radiation and administering radiation to patients for diagnostic medical use. A licensed dentist, dental therapist, or dental hygienist shall not allow an unlicensed person to operate a machine source of ionizing radiation or to administer radiation to any patient unless the person meets standards then in effect under rules adopted pursuant to this section. The board may adopt rules allowing a grace period in which newly hired operators of machine sources of ionizing radiation are to receive the training required by this section. (b) As used in this part 6, "unlicensed person" means a person who does not hold a current and active license entitling the person to practice dentistry, dental therapy, or dental hygiene under this article 220. (2) The board shall seek the assistance of licensed dentists, dental therapists, or dental hygienists in developing and formulating the rules promulgated pursuant to this section. (3) The board shall establish by rule the required number of hours of training and education for all unlicensed persons operating machine sources of ionizing radiation and administering radiation to patients. This standard shall apply to all persons in dental settings other than hospitals and similar facilities licensed by the department of public health and environment pursuant to section 25-1.5-103. The training and education may be obtained through programs approved by the appropriate authority of any state or through equivalent programs and training experience, including on-the-job training as determined by the board.