HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2037

                    As Passed Legislature

Title:  An act relating to the regulation of persons who apply ionizing radiation to human beings.

Brief Description:  Modifying requirements for radiologic technologists.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Morris, Moyer and Sprenkle; by request of Department of Health.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Health Care, March 6, 1991, DP;

Revenue, March 9, 1991, DP;

Passed House, March 20, 1991, 98-0;

Amended by Senate;

House concurred;

Passed Legislature, 94-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

HEALTH CARE

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Braddock, Chair; Day, Vice Chair; Moyer, Ranking Minority Member; Casada, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Cantwell; Edmondson; Franklin; Morris; Paris; Prentice; and Sprenkle.

Staff:  John Welsh (786-7133).

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

REVENUE

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 14 members:  Representatives Wang, Chair; Fraser, Vice Chair; Holland, Ranking Minority Member; Wynne, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appelwick; Belcher; Brumsickle; Day; Leonard; Morris; Morton; Phillips; Rust; and Silver.

Staff:  Greg Pierce (786-7102).

Background:  Persons who practice radiologic technology may choose to become certified if they meet the qualifications specified by law.  Radiologic technologists handle x-ray equipment to apply ionizing radiation on patients for diagnostic, therapeutic and other medical purposes.

Certification of radiologic technologists is voluntary and identifies those practitioners who have achieved a particular level of competency. Persons who are not certified are prohibited from representing themselves as a "certified radiologic technologist."

However, there is no requirement for x-ray technicians to register with the state in order to practice. Registration is the least restrictive level of professional regulation, and requires only formal notification to the state identifying the practitioner. It also includes coverage under the Uniform Disciplinary Act for unprofessional conduct.

Radiologic technologists may only practice at the direction of physicians, osteopathic physicians, podiatrists, or nurses.

There is no authority for the Department of Health to provide educational materials and training to x-ray technicians, radiologic technologists, licensed practitioners and the public.

The Radiologic Technology Practice Act is scheduled for termination and repealed under the "Sunset" law on June 30, 1990, and June 30, 1991, respectively.

Summary of Bill:  After January 1, 1992, all x-ray technicians who apply ionizing radiation to a patient at the direction of specified licensed practitioners must be registered by the secretary of health. This requirement does not apply to those persons already certified, or who apply to become certified, to practice as radiologic technologists.  X-ray technicians employed by dentists or chiropractors are exempted from the requirements of registering under this act.

Besides physicians, osteopathic physicians, registered nurses, and podiatric physicians, those licensed practitioners who may direct radiologic technologists include any licensing health care practitioner whose scope of practice includes the ordering of x-rays.

The secretary is authorized to register a person as a "registered x-ray technician" who submits on forms provided by the department the name, address, and business location of the practitioner, and who pays the registration fee.

The secretary is also authorized to provide educational materials and training to registered technicians, certified radiologic technologists, licensed practitioners and the public concerning health risks and proper radiologic techniques.

Exemptions from registration are provided for those regulated health practitioners whose scope of practice includes the practice of radiologic technology.

The "Sunset" termination and repeal dates of June 30, 1990, and June 30, 1991, respectively, for the Radiologic Technologists Practice Act are repealed.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect July 1, 1991.

Testimony For:  (Health Care): There is a need to identify all x-ray practitioners and formally bring them into the existing regulatory framework, including coverage under the Uniform Disciplinary Act. The inclusion of these technicians will also assist in the proper funding of the Radiologic Technology Regulatory Program with the inclusion of registration fees.

(Revenue): Same as Committee on Health Care.

Testimony Against:  (Health Care): None.

(Revenue): There is concern for impact of measure on chiropractic services.

Witnesses:  (Health Care): Ron Weaver, Department of Health; and Jeff Larsen, Washington Society of Radiologic Technologists (pro).

(Revenue): Susan Boots, D.O.H.; and Jeff Larsen, Washington Society of Radiologic Technologists (pro); and Steve Wehrly, Chiropractors (with concerns).