§ 12-220-601 — Legislative declaration

(1) The general assembly hereby finds,
determines, and declares that public exposure to the hazards of ionizing radiation
used for diagnostic purposes should be minimized wherever possible. Accordingly,
the general assembly finds, determines, and declares that for any dentist, dental
therapist, or dental hygienist to allow an untrained person to operate a machine
source of ionizing radiation, including without limitation a device commonly known
as an X-ray machine, or to administer radiation to a patient for diagnostic
purposes is a threat to the public health and safety.

(2) It is the intent of the general assembly that dentists, dental therapists,
and dental hygienists utilizing unlicensed persons in their practices provide those
persons with a minimum level of education and training before allowing them to
operate machine sources of ionizing radiation; however, it is not the general
assembly's intent to discourage education and training beyond this minimum. It is
further the intent of the general assembly that established minimum training and
education requirements correspond as closely as possible to the requirements of
each particular work setting as determined by the board pursuant to this part 6.

(3) The general assembly seeks to ensure, and accordingly declares its
intent, that in promulgating the rules authorized by this part 6, the board will make
every effort, consistent with its other statutory duties, to avoid creating a shortage
of qualified individuals to operate machine sources of ionizing radiation for
beneficial medical purposes in any area of the state.

Legislative History

Source: L. 2020: Entire article amended with relocations, (HB 20-1056), ch. 64, p. 261, � 1, effective September 14. L. 2022: (1) and (2) amended, (SB 22-219), ch. 381, p. 2722, � 25, effective January 1, 2023.