HHS proposes to allow digital X-rays for ‘black lung’
Washington – The Department of Health and Human Services on Jan. 9 published a notice of proposed rulemaking (.pdf file) to modify X-ray requirements for detecting “black lung” disease in coal miners.
Current regulations for NIOSH’s Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program permit only the use of film-based radiography systems. HHS is proposing amendments that would allow use of digital X-rays and would require coal mine operators to provide NIOSH with employee rosters to help increase miner participation in the program.
Comments on the NPRM are due March 9.
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