SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    HB 2037

             AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE,

                                 APRIL 4, 1991

Brief Description:  Modifying requirements for radiologic technologists.

SPONSORS: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

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators West, Chairman; L. Smith, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Johnson, L. Kreidler, Niemi, and Wojahn.

Staff:  Scott Plack (786‑7409)

Hearing Dates:April 3, 1991; April 4, 1991

BACKGROUND:

In 1987 the Legislature established the Radiologic Technologist Practice Act.  The act establishes a program of voluntary certification for radiologic technologist.  There are currently three types of radiologic technologists: diagnostic radiologic technologists, therapeutic radiologic technologists and nuclear medicine technologists.  Such persons must practice under the supervision or direction of a physician or registered nurse.  Individuals not regulated by the state may still practice the profession but may not represent themselves as a certified radiologic technologist.  Some are concerned that the voluntary nature of certification is not adequate to protect the public and assure uniform and safe practices of all persons who use radiological equipment.

SUMMARY:

An x-ray technician registration program is established.  No person may practice radiologic technology or operate equipment utilizing ionizing radiation on human beings without being registered or certified.  All registered and certified individuals under this chapter must be under the direction of a licensed practitioner.  The list of licensed practitioners who may direct such persons is expanded to include naturopaths, physician assistants, dentists, dental hygienists and chiropractors.

The Secretary of Health is the licensing and disciplinary authority for the profession.  The secretary is authorized to issue registrations and is directed to provide educational materials and training to x-ray technicians, radiologic technologists, health care practitioners and the public on the health risks associated with ionizing radiation, proper radiographic techniques and x-ray equipment maintenance. 

The June 30, 1995 sunset of the radiologic technologist practice act is repealed.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The list of licensed practitioners who may direct persons regulated under the practice act is changed to include anyone whose scope of practice includes ordering x-rays.  Exemptions from regulation are provided for chiropractors, dentists and unlicensed persons under their supervision.  Chiropractors employing x-ray technicians must register the technician with the Chiropractic Examining Board.  The board may adopt rules concerning the registration requirement.

TESTIMONY FOR:

The bill will help protect the consumer from operators of x-ray equipment who are currently not subject to state regulation or discipline for unprofessional conduct under the Uniform Disciplinary Act.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Sherm Cox, Dept. of Health (pro); Jeff Larsen, WA Assn. of Radiologic Technologists (pro); Richard Leshgold, WA State Dental Assn. (con)