Frequently Asked Questions About Radioactive Material and Machine Generated Radiation

Agreement State (22a-153-1 through 22a-153-150)

 

Will Inspection frequency be similar to what NRC was doing prior to CT becoming an Agreement State?       

Inspections for radioactive materials licensees will follow the same structure as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission inspection frequency.  The inspection frequency is based upon the program code assigned to the license.  This inspection frequency is determined priority, corresponding to associated risk.  The most recent list of program codes and inspection frequencies can be found in the Material Licensee Toolkit.

For x-ray generating equipment, inspection procedures will remain the same.  Medical registrants may be inspected during the routine Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) licensure survey.

Special inspections may be performed in response to a special circumstance such as a medical event or an allegation.

What are the penalties for failing a state inspection?               

Connecticut General Statute (C.G.S.) 22a-6b was updated during the adoption of materials regulations.  The statute outlines the departmental approach to civil penalties including which violations are subject to escalated enforcement and the associated civil penalties.

Are all inspectors employed by the state?       

Yes, inspectors are employed by the State of Connecticut. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for Radiology (X-ray) or Agreement State (Radioactive Material) inspections or the Department of Public Health for non-agreement state inspections.

Where can I find the license fees? 

Connecticut has incorporated the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations (10 CFR 170 and 10 CFR 171) by reference into the Radioactive Material Regulations under R.C.S.A. 22a-153-6. Fees.

The annual license fees due to DEEP will be the same fees as those previously due to the NRC.  These fees will continue to be billed on the anniversary date of the license each year.  You will receive an invoice for your license with payment instructions including the option for streamlined online payment.

Will Connecticut honor NRC’s previous Small Business status? 

Yes, Connecticut does not have an equivalent to the NRC’s declaration of small business.  However, Connecticut adopted 10 CFR 171.16(c) which provides for the declaration.  By filing for the small business status (DEEP Form 526), the modified fee will be invoiced.  Early submission of DEEP Form 526 will ensure timely processing of payment adjustments.

With the transition of authority and associated new regulations, will I have to modify all my procedures to reference the Connecticut regulations? 

NRC regulations have been incorporated by reference within Connecticut regulations.  The NRC regulations still apply to licenses after the Agreement is in place.  However, there are a few instances where CT DEEP regulations differ from NRC regulations (i.e. 22a-153-20(c)).  The Department recommends that each licensee review procedures for regulatory references and make updates where required.

Are there educational programs or resources provided by the state to keep healthcare professionals informed about radiation safety and regulations?  

At this time, the Radiation Division website will be the means of communication with licensees and registrants.  You may contact us via phone at (860) 424-3029 during normal business hours or at (860) 424-3333 after business hours in an emergency.  The NRC will continue to produce documents useful for licensees such as Regulatory Information Summaries and updated NUREG-1556 series, Consolidated Guidance About Materials Licenses.

For healthcare professional resources, please reach out to the CT DPH.

Do I need to do anything to convert my license?

The State will honor licenses issued by the NRC for Connecticut after the agreement is effective September 30, 2025.  The Radiation Division will convert all licenses to Connecticut licenses.  A Connecticut license will be issued to all active licensees with addresses of use or storage in Connecticut. Licensees do not need to request an amendment to change their license from NRC-issued to Connecticut-issued.  This conversion should be done automatically during the first year.

Will specific license holders be required to maintain an EZFile registration?

There are three potential cases that apply to licensure and registration via EZFile.

  1. If you have a current NRC radioactive materials license which will become a State of Connecticut license and only possess specifically licensed material.  

    Pay current amount of license fee when your next license fee is due, it will be invoiced and payable to the State of Connecticut.  You do not need to separately register as you have done in the past. The registration may be terminated. Note: State Agencies will be exempt from license fees.

  2. If you have licensed material and X-ray devices.

    Pay your license fee only when required and register your X-ray devices annually at the beginning of the year.  No additional fees are required.  

  3. If you only have X-ray devices and/or generally licensed material.

Pay registration fee as always at the beginning of the year. 

 

Content last updated in October 2025.