SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2430

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of February 17, 2010

Title: An act relating to cardiovascular invasive specialists.

Brief Description: Concerning cardiovascular invasive specialists.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Morrell, Driscoll, Hinkle, Blake, Walsh, Green, Roberts, Goodman, Clibborn, Carlyle, Moeller, Kelley and Hurst).

Brief History: Passed House: 1/28/10, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/17/10.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)

Background: Cardiac or vascular catheterization is the process of inserting a small tube, or catheter, into a person's heart or blood vessel using a fluoroscope (an X-ray device that provides real-time images). This type of catheterization is utilized for a variety of medical purposes, including angioplasty, electrophysiology studies, and pacemaker placement. Cardiac or vascular catheterization is usually carried out in a hospital’s catheterization lab or cath lab.

Radiologic technologists are professionals certified by the Department of Health (DOH) and authorized to operate radiologic technology. There are four subcategories of radiologic technologists:

diagnostic radiologic technologists, who are persons authorized to actually handle X-ray equipment in the process of applying radiation on a human being for diagnostic purposes at the direction of a licensed practitioner.
therapeutic radiologic technologists, who are persons authorized to use radiation-generating equipment for therapeutic purposes on human subjects at the direction of a licensed practitioner.
nuclear medicine technologists, who are persons authorized to prepare radiopharmaceuticals and administer them to human beings for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes and to perform in vivo and in vitro detection and measurement of radioactivity for medical purposes at the direction of a licensed practitioner.
radiologic assistants, who are persons authorized to assist radiologists by performing advanced diagnostic imaging procedures.

Radiologic technologists must complete minimum education requirements, pass an examination, and have good moral character prior to certification.

Summary of Bill: A new type of radiologic technologist is created: cardiovascular invasive specialists. Cardiovascular invasive specialists are persons who assist in cardiac or vascular catheterization procedures under the personal supervision of a physician. Cardiac or vascular catheterization means all anatomic or physiological studies of intervention in which the heart, coronary arteries, or vascular system are entered via a systemic vein or artery using a catheter that is manipulated under fluoroscopic visualization.

In order to be certified, a cardiovascular invasive specialist must:

complete a cardiovascular invasive specialist program (program) or alternate training approved by the Secretary of Health (Secretary) – a program may be approved only if it includes training in cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, radiation physics and safety, radiation imaging and positioning, medical recordkeeping, and multicultural health;
complete a cardiovascular invasive specialist examination approved by the Secretary – the Secretary may approve an examination that is administered by a national credentialing organization for cardiovascular invasive specialists; and
have good moral character.

Until July 1, 2012, the Secretary must also issue a credential to any other type of health professional with a credential issued by the DOH who has at least five years of experience (with at least 1,000 hours per year) in cardiac or vascular catheterization. A person certified in this manner is not subject to the education and examination requirements for certification as a cardiovascular invasive specialist unless the person lets the certification expire for more than one year without renewal.

Creation of the new cardiovascular invasive specialist credential does not alter the scope of practice of any other credentialed health profession or limit the ability of any other credentialed health professional to assist in cardiac or vascular catheterization if such assistance is within the professional's scope of practice.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Staff with this training are critical in cardiac care units. They've never been certified before and because of the programs and training they receive, they should get the recognition that they have earned. Training is in a two-year, specialized program. Ours is one of 23 programs in the country. Without licensure, some of these cardiac units would have to close down.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Morrell, prime sponsor; Jenna Mykland, Joshua Mottern, Elisha Shelton, Marina Vance, Bonnie Coufal, William Corson, Spokane Community College; James McRae, Virginia Mason Hospital.