November 25, 2014
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) recently proposed changes to the fees charged for certification of x-ray machines. This proposed change would affect nearly all dental offices. The fee increases are currently expected to be implemented in the second quarter of 2015.
For dental offices, the proposed regulatory changes would result in:
- A new annual facility registration fee of $50 for facilities that have radiation producing (x-ray) machines. Currently, no direct fees are charged for the registration of the approximate 5,000 x-ray facilities in Colorado, of which approximately 2,500 are dental offices.
- A $10 (20%) increase in the x-ray certification label fee charged for inspection of each x-ray machine (the average dental office has four-to-five x-ray machines). The current $50 fee (per machine) would be increased to an amount of $60 per label (per machine). The current $50 label fee has not been changed since 2001.
The draft rules and further details on the proposed changes can be found on CDPHE’s Website. Written comments on these proposed changes may be submitted by Nov. 30, 2014. Comments should be submitted to James Jarvis at james.jarvis@state.co.us, 303-759-5355 (fax) or mail: Attn: James Jarvis, Radiation Control Program, Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment, HMWMD-RM-B2, 4300 Cherry Creek Dr. South, Denver, CO 80246. When providing comments, please include the section number (i.e., “Section 12.x”) and the line number(s) – when possible – where your comments apply. Please state the purpose of your comment and/or concern if not self explanatory. You are also encouraged to share a copy of your comments with the CDA. Copies of your comments may be sent to Jennifer Goodrum at jennifer@cdaonline.org or by phone at 303-996-2847.
Also, the Colorado Board of Health will hold a rulemkaing hearing on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 to consider approval of the rules allowing the x-ray machine fee increase. View the meeting agenda here. Interested dentists are welcome to attend and provide comments at this hearing. The hearing will be held in the Sabin-Cleere Conference Room (Bldg. A, 1st Floor) at 4300 Cherry Creek Dr. South, Denver, CO 80246. The relevant rulemaking hearing, Fees for Radiation Control Services, is currently slated to begin around 2:00 p.m.