# Black Lung Benefits Act: Standards for Chest Radiographs
> **Office of Workers' Compensation Programs** · Direct final rule; request for comments. · Published 2013-06-13 · Effective 2013-09-11 · 78 FR 35549
## Document
- **Document number:** 2013-13970
- **Category:** workers-comp
- **Sub-agency:** Office of Workers' Compensation Programs
- **Federal Register citation:** 78 FR 35549
- **CFR reference:** 20 CFR 718
- **Publication date:** 2013-06-13
- **Effective date:** 2013-09-11
## Abstract

Physicians and adjudicators use chest radiographs (X-rays) as a tool in evaluating whether a coal miner suffers from pneumoconiosis (black lung disease). Accordingly, the Department's regulations implementing the Black Lung Benefits Act allow the submission of radiographs in connection with benefit claims and set out quality standards for their performance. These standards are currently limited to film radiographs. In recent years, many medical facilities have phased out film radiography in favor of digital radiography. This direct final rule updates the existing film-radiograph standards and provides parallel standards for digital radiographs. This rule also updates outdated terminology and removes certain obsolete provisions.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/06/13/2013-13970/black-lung-benefits-act-standards-for-chest-radiographs)
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