FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 134

PARTIAL VETO

                                  C 412 L 87

BYHouse Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Day, Lewis, Brooks, Bumgarner, Lux, P. King and Dellwo)

Certifying radiological technologists.

House Committe on Health Care

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The practice of radiological technology is not regulated by the state of Washington.  There are no state-recognized standards for practice.  Radiological technology involves the handling of x-ray equipment in the process of applying radiation to a human being for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

SUMMARY:

A practitioner of radiologic technology must be certified to represent him or herself to the public as a radiologic technologist.  The titles "certified radiologic technologist," "certified radiologic therapy technologist," "certified radiologic diagnostic technologist" and "certified nuclear medicine technologist" may be used only by those who qualify and become certified by the Department of Licensing under the act.

Exemptions from certification are provided for other practitioners licensed by the state, United States government employees, radiologic technology students enrolled in approved schools and unlicensed personnel supervised by licensed dentists, chiropractors and podiatrists.

The director of the department is authorized to adopt rules, set certification fees, establish forms, approve schools and alternative training programs, issue certificates, hire staff and act as the disciplinary authority pursuant to the Uniform Disciplinary Act.

The State Radiologic Technology Advisory Committee is established, composed of seven members appointed by the director for four-year terms.  The members include three radiologic technologists, two persons unaffiliated with the profession to represent the public and two radiologists certified by medical radiology boards.  The director, committee members and department staff are granted immunity from liability in any civil action based on certification or other official acts performed in the course of their duties.

The director, in consultation with the board, must establish procedures for approval of schools and alternative training for applicants of certification and must set renewal fees.

Certified radiologic technicians are subject to the procedures and unprofessional conduct provisions of the Uniform Disciplinary Act for the health professions.

The act is scheduled for sunset review and termination on June 30, 1990, and repeal on June 30, 1991, unless reauthorized.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 93   0

      Senate    47     1(Senate amended)

      House 98   0(House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:October 1, 1987

Partial Veto Summary:  The section providing for exemptions from voluntary certification is vetoed.  (See VETO MESSAGE)