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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 21, 2021 10:05 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative David R. Millard |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Health and Safety Act |
| I am re-introducing legislation that provides for the regulation and licensure of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals. A similar proposal was introduced last session as HB 1811. Unlike doctors and nurses, there is no state requirement for technologists to be properly trained and licensed to use the sophisticated and highly advanced equipment that enables accurate medical imaging and radiation therapy. Today's new medical imaging equipment is specialized and allows advances in the medical imaging field that years ago seemed impossible. However, those advances also create new risks from increased exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. This bill will ensure that the medical professionals operating medical imaging and radiation therapy equipment are properly trained and certified on the equipment they use. The new licensing provisions this legislation creates would fall under the purview of the State Board of Medicine (Board). Specialty areas (modalities) within the field of medical imaging that would be licensed includes fluoroscopy, radiography, nuclear medicine, diagnostic sonography (ultrasound), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), radiation therapy and radiologist assistant. The Board would establish the scope of practice, set requirements for licensure and renewal of licenses, determine proper training, and develop standards to improve medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures. Medical imaging professionals work under the supervision of licensed practitioners (e.g. medical doctors, osteopathic physicians) in the imaging of patients. Those licensed practitioners would not be covered by this legislation, nor would dental personnel. To assist the Board in its development of the initial regulations for this licensure program, an advisory committee comprised of medical imaging professionals from the various modalities is established. This advisory committee will also be used for help in promulgating future regulations. As further support to the Board, an imaging professional or radiation therapist will serve as a rotating member of the Board. This legislation was developed with input from healthcare systems, hospitals, the Department of State and from members of the organizations that represent the imaging professionals. Considerations were given to many who offered feedback to the original language of HB 1811. I firmly believe that this legislation will assure patients and their families that they are receiving the highest quality of healthcare throughout this Commonwealth. If you wish more detailed explanation of this legislation, a FAQ sheet has been prepared and is available on request. Thank you for your consideration. |
Introduced as HB1440