Medical practitioner use licence

The medical industry uses radiation for range of radiation procedures including:

  • medical imaging
  • nuclear medicine
  • radiation therapy
  • surgical procedures.

The use of radiation sources to carry out a radiation practice is regulated under the Radiation Safety Act 1999 to minimise the risks associated with radiation. This includes radiation sources used for medical procedures.

Radiation sources used for medical purposes include:

  • laser equipment
  • X-ray equipment
  • unsealed radioactive substances
  • sealed radioactive substances.

Who needs this licence?

You will need this licence if you are a medical practitioner, medical specialist or a registrar and you are seeking a licence to use a radiation source for a medical procedure.

See rural or remote radiography if you are a rural or remote area health sector employee with a clinical or health service and need to perform diagnostic radiography.

See medical radiation practitioner if you are seeking a licence to use radiation sources as a medical radiation practitioner.

Responsibilities of a use licensee

As part of your responsibilities as a use licensee you will need to:

  • only use a radiation source for the practice described in your use licence
  • only use a radiation source if the possession licensee has specified that you may
  • comply with the possession licensees approved radiation safety and protection plan for the radiation practice and your individual responsibilities detailed in it
  • ensure that the procedure has been authorised by an authorised person

You are required to comply with Radiation Safety Act 1999 and the Code for radiation protection in medical exposure (2019).

Find out more about radiation roles and responsibilities.

Apply for a medical radiation use licence

To apply for a licence to use a particular type of radiation source you will need to complete the relevant use licence application form:

Your application needs to include:

  • 2 proof of identity documents
  • a certified copy of your qualifications e.g. degree, professional recognition
  • evidence of your professional registration
  • evidence of your training in radiation safety
  • evidence of your experience using the radiation source
  • evidence of your employment and acceptance into a speciality training program (for registrars)

Licence duration

A use licence can be for 1, 2 or 3 years.

You will be sent a renewal application form 40 days before your licence expires.  It is your responsibility to ensure that you renew your licence before the expiry of the licence if you wish to continue using radiation sources.

Fees

If you do not hold a current licence you will need to pay an application fee and a licence fee.

See schedule of fees to determine the fee you will need to pay.  Your form will only be considered a complete application once payment has been made.

Last updated: 9 October 2024