FINAL BILL REPORT

                      HB 2037

                                 C 222 L 91

                            Synopsis As Enacted

Brief Description:  Modifying requirements for radiologic technologists.

By Representatives Morris, Moyer and Sprenkle; by request of Department of Health.

House Committee on Health Care

House Committee on Revenue

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:  Persons who practice radiologic technology may choose to become certified by the state 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 may practice but 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 repeal under the "Sunset" law on June 30, 1990, and June 30, 1991, respectively.

Summary:  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 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 may 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 may 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.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 98    0

Senate   39    0     (Senate amended)

House 94    0     (House concurred)

Effective:     July 28, 1991