San Juan Capistrano Municipal Code Ch. 5 Mobile X-Ray Units

All mobile X-ray units shall comply with the requirements of the Radiation Control Law set forth in Chapter 7.6 of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code of the State, and with regulations enacted pursuant thereto, and with the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 158, § 1)

For the purposes of this chapter, unless otherwise apparent from the context, certain words and phrases used in this chapter are defined as follows:

"Mobile X-ray operator"

shall mean any person who owns, legally possesses, or operates a mobile X-ray unit.

"Mobile X-ray unit"

shall mean any X-ray generator which is, or can be, used for the purpose of making medical diagnostic photofluorographic films of persons and which is installed in or upon a motor vehicle or trailer so that it may be transported from place to place.

(Ord. No. 158, § 2)

It is unlawful for a mobile X-ray unit to be operated unless the operator thereof has been licensed as set forth in this chapter. No mobile X-ray unit shall be operated by any person other than the applicant or the persons specifically named in his or her license.

(Ord. No. 158, § 7)

Any person or entity desiring to operate a mobile X-ray unit within the City shall make an application for the issuance of a license to the Health Officer on forms prescribed by him or her. The Health Officer shall cause to be conducted an investigation of the applicant for the license to determine, among other things, the following items of information:

(a) Whether or not such mobile X-ray unit has a valid State registration as set forth in Chapter 7.6 of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code of the State;

(b) Whether or not such applicant has complied with applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations, including those relating to the reporting to the Health Officer of abnormal X-ray findings pursuant to regulations of the Department of Public Health of the State;

(c) Whether the proper public notices, as required by State law, regulations enacted pursuant thereto, and local laws, have been posted in or upon the mobile unit;

(d) The location and mailing address of all film files to be maintained by such mobile X-ray unit as set forth in Section 6-5.07 of this chapter;

(e) Whether the applicant and specified personnel are qualified by reason of training and experience to operate a mobile X-ray unit in such a manner as to provide reasonable assurance of protection to health, life, and property;

(f) Whether the equipment, facilities, proposed uses, and procedures of the applicant are such as to provide reasonable assurances of protection to health, life, and property; and

(g) Such other information as shall be required by the Health Officer.

(Ord. No. 158, § 3)

Licenses to operate mobile X-ray units pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, shall not be granted, renewed, or reinstated unless the Health Officer determines, upon completing his or her investigation, that the mobile X-ray unit is, or can be, operated in compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, and administrative regulations and in a manner not detrimental to the health of the patrons, employees, and the general public. The Health Officer shall also determine that all operations of the mobile X-ray equipment have been certified by the Health Officer to operate such equipment.

(Ord. No. 158, § 4)

Licenses to operate mobile X-ray units pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may be granted at any time during the year, but all licenses shall expire at the end of the calendar year.

(Ord. No. 158, § 5)

All mobile X-ray units shall be operated so as to comply with the following conditions:

(a) No person under the age of 15 years shall be X-rayed unless such person has had a positive tuberculin skin test and presents a written statement, signed by a licensed practitioner of the healing arts, showing the method and the date of such positive skin test. A sign shall be posted in a prominent location on the mobile X-ray unit stating that no person under the age of 15 years shall be X-rayed unless such person has had a positive tuberculin skin test.

(b) No pregnant woman shall be X-rayed in a mobile X-ray unit unless so ordered in writing by a licensed practitioner of the healing arts. A sign shall be posted in a prominent location on the mobile X-ray unit stating that no pregnant woman shall be X-rayed.

(c) The mobile X-ray operator shall require all persons, before being X-rayed, to complete an information form showing the following:

(1) The name, age, sex, address, and telephone number of such person;

(2) The name and address of the physician of such person;

(3) If a female, whether pregnant;

(4) If under 15 years of age, whether the person has had a positive tuberculin skin test; and

(5) The date of such test.

(d) All X-ray films shall be retained by the operator for at least 10 years. Each patient shall receive from the mobile X-ray operator a report of his or her X-ray findings within 30 days. Every 30 days the operator shall submit to the Health Officer a report of the total number of X-ray films taken during the preceding calendar month.

(e) The mobile X-ray operator shall make X-ray films available for use by the physician of the person X-rayed provided such person gives his or her consent in writing. The operator may make a reasonable charge for such service.

(f) A sign shall be posted in a prominent location on the mobile X-ray unit stating essentially the following: “A chest X-ray film is a useful aid to the physician in diagnosing chest disease. It is not a complete examination. See your family doctor for an examination at least once a year.” The Health Officer shall have the right to determine the location, size, and wording of all required signs.

(g) The mobile X-ray operator shall give the Health Officer notice at least 14 calendar days in advance concerning the proposed dates, times, and places of use of the unit. All such information shall be forwarded by the Health Officer to the City.

(h) The name and address of the mobile X-ray operator shall be plainly printed on each side of the exterior of the vehicle or trailer in letters at least three (3") inches high. The name and address of the mobile X-ray operator shall appear on all forms, letters, pamphlets, or other printed matter used in conjunction with the unit. Signs and printed matter shall not contain any statement, expressed or implied, that the mobile X-ray unit is associated with the Health Department or any other public or private health agency.

(i) The mobile X-ray operation shall comply with all applicable City laws while operating within the City.

(Ord. No. 158, § 6)