Brief Description: Concerning radiologist assistants.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Spanel and Berkey).

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care
House Committee on Health Care & Wellness

Background: Radiology assistants are not regulated in Washington State. Currently, three categories of professionals working in the field of radiologic technology are certified: diagnostic, therapeutic, and nuclear medicine radiologic technologists. Radiology assistants have become valuable in a rapidly growing field. They perform many time-consuming but simple radiology-related procedures.

In 2004 legislation to credential radiology assistants was referred to the Department of Health (DOH) for a sunrise review. Credentialing was proposed because of a workforce shortage in the profession of radiology and concerns about training, supervision, and scope of practice for these practitioners. The sunrise review recommended certifying radiology assistants.

Summary: Certification is provided for radiology assistants described as an advanced level diagnostic radiologic technologist. Diagnostic procedures are described and permission granted to perform additional procedures under the direction and supervision of a radiologist. Education requirements are described including completion of a preceptorship and examination. The examination process is outlined.

The Secretary of DOH has authority to recognize other organizations for establishing standards for radiologist assistant programs.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      42   6
House      94   1   (House amended)
Senate      42   5   (Senate concurred)

Effective: June 12, 2008