The radiation programs in the Michigan Departments of Community Health (MDCH) and Environmental Quality (MDEQ) both use the "Ionizing Radiation Rules" promulgated under authority of the Public Health Code, Act 368, P.A. 1978. These rules are out of date and not in conformance with national and international radiation protection standards.

Completing a much-needed overhaul of the Ionizing Radiation Rules is an important step in modernizing Michigan's radiation protection programs. Additionally, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has directed the DCH and the DEQ to pursue an Agreement with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and the two departments are preparing for a reconsolidation of the two programs.

This is the first step in a lengthy rule-making process. The formal public review and comment period will be held when the comprehensive package of new rules is formally proposed for promulgation. Meanwhile, we are seeking comments from NRC licensees, x-ray registrants, and other stakeholders during these early stages of revising these rules. We hope to identify and resolve issues and concerns before the formal public review period.

We have published the first of many parts that will constitute an updated set of radiation control rules on the Radiation Safety Section website (www.michigan.gov/rss) under "Documents" and on the Agreement State website (www.michigan.gov/agreementstate) under "What's New". Other parts will be added to this page as they are crafted by the MDCH and MDEQ radiation programs. On the "Draft Rules for Comment" webpage is a link to another document that describes the approach that is being taken on these draft rules.

Please contact us if you have general comments on this rule-making effort, or specific comments on a particular part. Comments regarding mammography and X-ray programs should be sent to T.R. Wentworth, MDCH (wentwortht@michigan.gov). Comments regarding radioactive materials programs should be sent to Bob Skowronek, MDEQ (skowronekr@michigan.gov). Generic comments may be sent to either.