American College of Radiology, AMA partner to fight nonphysician scope creep

The American College of Radiology and the AMA are partnering to help fight nonphysician scope creep.

Both doc groups have banded together to create new advocacy materials that empower patients to ask more questions about their care provider. Those include a card that can be handed to consumers, offering sample questions such as: “Will a physician be reviewing my chart, lab results, X-rays and other tests?”

“Physicians are the only healthcare professionals who complete four years of medical school, three to seven years of supervised postgraduate training, and a comprehensive licensing exam series before they are eligible for an unlimited medical license,” the card states. “However, did you know that not every state requires physicians to be involved in patient care?”

ACR highlighted the partnership in a Wednesday news update, labeling scope of practice as “one of the leading issues that are addressed by state legislatures.” The college said it offers a host of resources on this topic and it also has teamed with legislation tracking service Fiscal Note to stay abreast of the latest developments.

Radiologists also took part in the American Medical Association’s Scope of Practice Summit recently held at AMA’s Annual Meeting in Chicago. South Dakota physicians spoke during the event, highlighting a recent victory. The state radiological society helped to defeat a bill that would have allowed experienced physician assistants to independently take X-rays and perform radiologic procedures.

“We've seen a ton of activity so far at the state level this year,” Kimberly Horvath, a senior attorney with the AMA Advocacy Resource Center, said in a recent news update from the association, estimating that there have been “hundreds of bills” introduced in 2023.