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.
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.