Radioactive Materials

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission completed an agreement with the State of Minnesota to assume part of the agency’s regulatory authority over certain radioactive materials in the state. On March 31, 2006, Minnesota became the 34th state to sign such an agreement with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Under the agreement, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has transferred to Minnesota the responsibility for licensing, rulemaking, inspection and enforcement activities for: (1) radioactive materials produced as a result of processes related to the production or utilization of special nuclear material; (2) uranium and thorium source materials; and (3) special nuclear material in quantities not sufficient to form a critical mass.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission transferred approximately 170 licenses, most for medical and industrial uses of radioactive material, to Minnesota’s jurisdiction. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission retained jurisdiction over a number of activities identified in 10 CFR Part 150, including regulation of commercial nuclear power plants and federal agencies using certain nuclear material in the state. In addition, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission retained authority for the review, evaluation and approval of sealed sources and devices containing certain nuclear materials manufactured in Minnesota and distributed throughout the country.

Licensing

Minnesota Department of Health Licensing System

The Radioactive Materials Unit has moved to an online licensing application system. A representative of the licensee/applicant will need to create an account. This should be the licensee’s main contact or radiation safety officer. The system will allow you to enter license information, attach other supporting documentation, pay the licensing fee (we will no longer be accepting physical checks), and receive licensing documents. The email provided in the licensing system will be the main form of communication from the Radioactive Materials Unit to the licensee.

Each time you submit a new licensing action, it will be assigned a transaction number. This number will be different from your specific license number, reciprocity number, or general license registration number. Please continue to use your specific license number, reciprocity number, or general license registration number in addition to your transaction number when communicating with MDH.

• MDH Licensing System Login – Used to view an existing licensing action. Note: If you are submitting a new action, you may also use one of the direct links below or the reciprocity section link to the left.
• MDH Licensing System Help – Answers to common problems had while applying for a credential at the Minnesota Department of Health Licensing System.

Specific Licensing

Representatives of current licensees should use the link provided by MDH to create an account and verify their license information is correctly linked. We have migrated some information into the new system, but you will need to enter some of the information that was not transferred. You can claim your record now, but you will need to wait until it is time to renew or pay your annual fee to enter the additional information. The new licensing system will also use the term “renew” to indicate you are due to pay the annual fee. Your license will continue to be valid until the expiration date listed on your license at which time you will be prompted to submit a license application to renew the license.

When applying for a new specific radioactive materials license please follow the applicable guidance document to make sure your application is complete. The new MDH Licensing System will allow you to submit your application and pay the fee using a credit card or e-check. MDH will not begin reviewing your application until the application fee is paid.

The annual payment will be due every year until the license is terminated – we do not prorate fee payments. The license will expire in seven years from the issue month. At that time, you will need to renew the license by submitting a complete license application (an application fee will be required at that time). 

To terminate a license, you will need to submit information demonstrating that the use location(s) can be released. The license will not be terminated until the termination request has been reviewed and approved.

• New License Application – To apply for a new specific radioactive materials license. This is not for general license registrations or reciprocity.
• License Amendment (existing license required) – To submit an amendment for an existing specific license. If you do not have an account, you will need to follow the link provided by MDH to link your account to your radioactive materials license. 

General License Registration

Certain generally licensed devices require registration. The requirements for these devices are in Minnesota Rules 4731.3215. The devices that require registration are those that contain:

1. At least ten millicuries (370 MBq) of cesium-137.
2. At least 0.1 millicurie (3.7 MBq) of strontium-90.
3. At least one millicurie (37 MBq) of cobalt-60.
4. At least 0.1 millicurie (3.7 MBq) of radium-226.
5. At least one millicurie (37 MBq) of americium-241 or any other transuranic (any other element with an atomic number greater than uranium-92) based on the activity indicated on the label.

Registration of generally licensed devices will need to be done every year by March 1. This registration requires paying the annual fee and to verify that each device listed on the registration form is still in possession and accounted for. You will receive an email annually prompting you to do the registration through the new system. If you do not receive an email by January, please contact the Radioactive Materials Unit.

The licensee will need to add any additional devices possessed and provide disposition information for any devices disposed/transferred. Typically, generally licensed devices can only be transferred to people who are specifically licensed for that material (i.e., you cannot transfer the device to another person who will be using it under a general license). Additions and transfers of devices need to be reported to MDH using the Additional Device Notification link below.

• General License Device Registration – For a new registration of generally licensed devices. You will need to upload information about your devices and submit the registration fee. If you have an existing registration, you should follow the link in the email notification for the next year’s registration.
• Additional Device Notification – To notify MDH of adding/removing general licensed devices. 

If you need a registration certificate for in vitro clinical or laboratory testing use according to Minnesota Rules 4731.3245 please contact the Radioactive Materials Unit. This cannot be done using the licensing system at this time.