CA AB510

Requires facilities using CT X-ray systems to record radiation dose on every diagnostic CT study in patient records, with exemptions for therapeutic treatment planning and nuclear medicine studies (effective July 1, 2012).

Mandates CT X-ray systems be accredited by approved organizations (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Medical Board of California, or State Department of Public Health) by July 1, 2013, except for systems used in therapeutic treatment, nuclear medicine, or interventional image guidance.

Requires annual verification of displayed radiation dose for standard adult brain, adult abdomen, and pediatric brain protocols by a medical physicist until July 1, 2013; accredited facilities may elect not to perform this verification.

Establishes reporting requirements for radiation events exceeding specified dose thresholds: within 5 business days for therapeutic events and 10 business days for CT events to the department and referring physician, with 15-day notification to the affected patient.

Takes effect immediately as an urgency statute to ensure compliance with reporting requirements beginning July 1, 2012.