Division of Radiological Health

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The Division of Radiological Health (DRH) works to protect Tennesseans and the environment from the hazards associated with ionizing radiation. This is accomplished by regulating the use and possession of radioactive materials and radiation producing machines in Tennessee (TN), as well as responding to accidents involving radiation. Radioactive materials are used in medical, industrial, and educational settings as well as in research and development activities. DRH also monitors the environment for radiation around nuclear facilities and other major radioactive material users.

The Division is comprised of four sections as follows:

• The Radioactive Materials Licensing Section is authorized by TN’s agreement with the United States (U.S.) Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA,) and State Regulations for Protection Against Radiation (SRPAR) to license users of radioactive material. Types of licenses issued include specific, general, reciprocity, and shippers’ licenses.
• The X-ray Registration Section is responsible for registering and tracking applicable X-ray producing equipment within Tennessee according to SRPAR. This Section includes the Registered Inspector (RI) program which reviews X-Ray inspections performed by RIs.
• The Inspection and Enforcement Section inspects licensed and registered facilities to determine compliance with state regulations and special conditions of their licenses or registration. Staff in this section ensure correction of items of non-compliance and prepare requests for escalated enforcement..
• The Technical Services Section performs current environmental condition and site-specific environmental monitoring, provides personnel monitoring and instrument calibration services, conducts emergency response training for DRH staff and others, and provides oversight for Tennessee's low-level radioactive waste activities. This section also provides updates to any Federal and State rulemaking issues as related to DRH oversight.

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