HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 6439
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 Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness
Title: An act relating to radiologist assistants.
Brief Description: Concerning radiologist assistants.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Spanel and Berkey).
Brief History:
Health Care & Wellness: 2/21/08, 2/25/08 [DPA].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill (As Amended by House Committee) |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow, Condotta, DeBolt, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
The Department of Health (Department) certifies three categories of radiologic technologists:
diagnostic radiologic technologists, therapeutic radiologic technologists, and nuclear
medicine technologists. Diagnostic radiologic technologists operate X-ray equipment for the
application of radiation for diagnostic purposes at the direction of a qualified health care
provider. Therapeutic radiologic technologists use radiation-generating equipment for
therapeutic purposes at the direction of a qualified health care provider. Both diagnostic and
therapeutic radiologic technologists may perform parenteral (administered by means other
than the digestive tract) procedures, but only under the direct supervision of a physician or
osteopathic physician. Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer
radiopharmaceuticals and perform detection and measurement of radioactivity at the direction
of a qualified health care provider.
To become certified in any of the three categories of radiologic technologists, applicants must
meet minimum education requirements beyond a high school diploma, which may include a
bachelors degree. They must also pass an examination and meet specified clinical supervised
experience requirements.
In addition, individuals who apply ionizing radiation, but do not perform parenteral
procedures, must be registered as X-ray technicians. X-ray technicians may only practice at
the direction of another health care practitioner.
In January 2005 the Department issued a sunrise review that recommended that a new
category of advanced practice radiologic technologists, known as radiologist assistants, be
regulated by the state. Specifically, the sunrise review found that government regulation of
radiologist assistants: (1) is unlikely to cause harm to the public; (2) will ensure professional
competence; and (3) is the most cost effective way to regulate the practice of radiologist
assistants.
Summary of Amended Bill:
Radiologist assistants are created as a new profession to be certified by the Secretary of
Health (Secretary). Radiologist assistants are defined as advanced-level diagnostic radiologic
technologists that assist radiologists under supervision as defined by the Secretary. The
practice includes performing enteral and parenteral procedures under the direction of a
supervising radiologist such as injecting diagnostic agents to non-intravenous sites,
performing diagnostic aspirations and localizations, and other invasive procedures.
The Secretary shall issue certificates to practice as a radiologist assistant to applicants who
complete an approved radiologist assistant program and an approved examination. All
radiologist assistant programs must be approved by the Secretary. The Secretary may
recognize organizations that establish standards for radiologist assistant programs.
Diagnostic radiologic technologists, therapeutic radiologic technologists, and nuclear
medicine technologists must complete an approved examination to become certified.
References to schools of radiologic technology requiring approval by the American Medical
Association's Council on Medical Education are removed.
It is unprofessional conduct for X-ray technicians, diagnostic radiologic technologists,
therapeutic radiologic technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, and radiologist
assistants to interpret images, make diagnoses, prescribe medications or therapies, or perform
other procedures prohibited by rule.
Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:
The requirement that radiologist assistant programs be recognized by the American Registry
of Radiologic Technologists is removed and replaced with authority for the Secretary to
recognize other organizations that establish standards for radiologist assistant programs.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The radiologist assistant profession fills a need for services between a radiologic
technologist and a radiologist. This is an efficient way to improve delivery of care in both
urban and rural environments. Mid-level radiologic practitioners make a significant
difference in patient care and access to critical radiologic diagnosis. This bill is consistent
with a 2005 Department of Health sunrise review that recommended regulation of radiologist
assistants.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Jeff Choffel and Scott Harrison, Washington State Radiological Society; and Laurie Jinkins, Department of Health.