Indiana Becomes 41st State to Regulate Radioactive Materials: What It Means for Hospitals and Labs

Indiana has become the 41st state to take over regulation of certain radioactive materials under an agreement with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, effective September 30. The state now handles licensing, inspections and enforcement for roughly 213 licenses involving radioactive materials used in hospitals, universities, research facilities and industrial operations.

The transfer falls under the Atomic Energy Act, the law that allows the NRC to shift some regulatory authority to states that meet federal standards. Before the handoff, the NRC reviewed Indiana’s program, and it will continue periodic reviews to make sure federal requirements are still met. The agency also retains direct authority over certain federally regulated nuclear activities.

So what does this mean for communities like Lawton? Radioactive materials aren’t just a power plant story. They show up in hospital imaging departments, university research labs and industrial testing sites. Many states, including several in our region, already run their own oversight programs. The question now is whether more states will follow Indiana’s lead.

Does it matter to you who inspects these facilities, the state or the federal government? Let us know in the comments.