1. The department shall establish by rule a system for the registration of the possession of radiation machines and for the licensing of radioactive materials in the state. The rules may provide for the issuance of the following licenses:

 a. General licenses which do not require the filing of an application or the issuance of a document but do permit designated persons to transfer, acquire, own, possess, or use quantities of or equipment using radioactive materials.
 b. Specific licenses issued upon application to a person named in the license to use, manufacture, produce, transfer, receive, acquire, or possess quantities of or equipment using radioactive material. Applicants requesting radioactive materials in quantities of concern, as identified by the United States nuclear regulatory commission, shall submit fingerprints to the United States nuclear regulatory commission for a background check of all individuals authorized for unescorted access to such material.
 2. The department may exempt certain sources of radiation or kinds of uses or users from the licensing or registration requirements when the department finds that the exemption of the source of radiation, use, or users will not pose a significant risk to the health and safety of the public. The rules may provide for recognition of other state or federal licenses as the department may allow, subject to registration requirements as the department may prescribe.
 3. A person shall not use, manufacture, produce, distribute, sell, transport, transfer, install, repair, receive, acquire, own, or possess any radioactive material without a license from the department as provided in this chapter.