In 1963 the Nebraska Legislature passed the
Radiation Control Act (Statute §71-3501) to
create and administer programs to control ionizing radiation to protect the health, safety
and welfare of the public.
In accordance with the Radiation Control Act, the Radiation Control Programs regulates
sources of ionizing radiation to protect occupational safety, public health and safety,
and the environment. The first regulations for "Control of
Radiation" went into effect in 1966.
Nebraska became an Agreement State with the Atomic Energy Commission (now the U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)) in 1966. As an Agreement State, Nebraska
is responsible for all regulation of ionizing sources of radiation within Nebraska except
for on-site activities of nuclear power plants and federal facilities.
The Radioactive Materials Program activities
include licensing and inspecting facilities using radioactive materials.
The X-ray Program registers and inspect facilities using radiation producing machines
are activities of the X-ray Program.
The Emergency Preparedness and Response Program
responds in the event of an accident, involving radioactive material or around
Nebraska's two nuclear power plants.
The DHHS, Department of Public Health, Office of Radiological Health protects the
public and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation. Exposures are
minimized and health is protected by regulating the use of radiation and measuring
radiation levels.