HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 134

BYRepresentatives Day, Lewis, Brooks, Bumgarner, Lux, P. King and Dellwo

Certifying radiological technologists.

House Committe on Health Care

Majority Report:     The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (9)

     Signed by Representatives Braddock, Chair; Day, Vice Chair; Brooks, Bumgarner, Cantwell, Lewis, Lux, D. Sommers and Sprenkle.

House Staff:John Welsh (786-7133)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE MARCH 4, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The practice of radiological technology is currently not regulated by the state.  Radiological technology involves the handling of x-ray equipment in the process of applying radiation on a human being for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

SUMMARY:

SUBSTITUTE BILL:  The practice of radiologic technology is regulated by requiring practitioners to be certified in order to represent themselves to the public as radiologic technologists.  The titles "certified radiologic technologist", "certified radiologic therapy technologist", "certified radiologic diagnostic technologist" and "certified nuclear medicine technologist" are restricted to those who qualify and become certified by the Department of Licensing under this chapter.

Exemptions 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.

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.

A State Radiologic Technology Advisory Committee is established composed of seven members appointed by the director for four-year terms.  Three members are radiologic technologists, two members are unaffiliated with the profession to represent the public, and two members are radiologists who are physicians certified by medical radiology boards.  The director, committee members and staff are declared immune from civil liability.

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

The Regulation of Health Professions Act and the Uniform Disciplinary Act are incorporated in the chapter by reference.

The department is to develop a proposal for a minimum competency program for any person who exposes patients to ionizing radiation, and report to the legislature by December 1, 1987.

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

SUBSTITUTE BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  Two physician radiologists are added to the advisory committee.  The Department of Licensing is to conduct a study to develop a program for minimum competency for persons who use x-rays.  A Sunset review and termination is scheduled for June 30, 1990.  Technical changes are made.

Appropriation:  $131,106 to the Department of Licensing.

Fiscal Note:    Requested January 29, 1987.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:     Eileen Sullivan, Washington Society of Radiologic Technologists; Steve Pawlawski, Washington Society of Radiologic Technologists; Ward Miles, State Health Coordinating Council; and Ed Larsen, Washington State Medical Association.

House Committee - Testified Against: None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:     The skills required for using x-ray equipment for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes present a potential danger to the public unless regulated.  The public and employers should be able to discern between those qualified and entitled to employ the certification titles, and others less qualified.

House Committee - Testimony Against: None Presented.