Arizona Enacts Law on Radiation Protection Systems for Health Care Workers

July 6, 2026—A state law addressing the safety of staff in medical procedures involving ionizing radiation, lead aprons, radiation protection systems, and real-time dosimeters was enacted by Arizona Governor Kathy Hobbs on June 19.

In anticipation of the signing, the Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued a press release (available online here) providing a summary of the legislation, Senate Bill 1121.

According to the caucus press release, the legislation is intended to modernize radiation safety standards for health care workers and addresses the long-term health risks faced by medical professionals working around radiation daily.

As highlighted in the caucus press release, the law does the following:

• Updates workplace safety standards for health care professionals who work in cardiac catheterization labs and procedure rooms that rely on real-time x-ray imaging
• Allows hospitals equipped with advanced radiation protection systems to utilize that protective technology in place of requiring staff to wear heavy lead aprons during procedures
• Requires health care workers who choose not to wear lead aprons while using approved radiation protection systems to wear real-time dosimeters

The caucus press release additionally advised that hospitals may still require additional protective equipment when radiation safety officers determine exposure levels warrant additional safeguards, and workers remain free to wear lead aprons if they prefer.

On June 24, Salus Scientific Corporation, a company focused on occupational wellness, stated that Arizona’s passage of the law creates an opportunity for policymakers, professional societies, hospital systems, and physician leaders across the United States to evaluate how modern radiation protection technologies can be incorporated into future workplace safety standards.

“Arizona has demonstrated extraordinary leadership by recognizing that health care worker safety should evolve alongside technological innovation,” commented Dan Lormon, Vice President of Global Medical Affairs & Engagement at Salus Scientific, in the company’s press release. “For decades, physicians, nurses, technologists, and other healthcare professionals have accepted significant physical burdens as part of their profession. This legislation challenges that assumption and opens the door for a broader national discussion about how we better protect the people who care for patients every day.

“The conversation around occupational safety is changing. The goal is no longer simply reducing radiation exposure. The goal is reducing risk. Every health care worker deserves access to the safest possible environment, and Arizona has provided a blueprint for how states can begin advancing that vision.”

Todd Flohr, Chief Executive Officer of Salus Scientific, added, “This is about far more than lead aprons. It is about preserving careers, reducing occupational injuries, improving workplace wellness, and ensuring that the next generation of healthcare professionals can practice in safer environments. Arizona has taken an important first step, and we believe other states will soon begin evaluating similar approaches.”