Rad techs voice support for state bill requiring licensure to perform imaging exams
Radiologic technologists are voicing support for a state bill requiring licensure among professionals who perform medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures.
Pennsylvania Sen. Lynda Culver introduced Senate Bill 1281 in April, requiring techs to obtain credentials through state authorities. The bill is endorsed by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, among others, which touted the legislation in a July 24 news update.
“By requiring these professionals to obtain licensure through the board of medicine, Pennsylvania is taking a critical step to ensure Pennsylvanians receive safe, high-quality care,” ASRT said.
Others endorsing the bill include the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists. The latter recently issued a “legislative call to action” asking techs to lobby for the legislation.
“We need all hands on deck to get this passed! Let your voice be heard,” the Pennsylvania society said.
Modalities covered by the legislation would include radiography, nuclear medicine, diagnostic sonography, MRI, CT and radiation therapy. It also would establish scope of practice for each modality, set requirements for licensure and renewal, determine proper training, and develop standards to improve imaging procedures, Sen. Culver said in a memo issued earlier this year.
“Unlike doctors and nurses, there is no state requirement for medical imaging professionals and radiation therapists to be licensed to use the sophisticated and highly advanced equipment that enables accurate medical imaging and therapy,” the republican senator said in her message. “These new technologies allow advances in medical treatment that once was considered impossible. Those advances, however, carry additional risks from increased exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. This legislation will ensure that the medical professionals operating medical imaging and radiation therapy equipment are properly trained, certified and licensed for the equipment they use.”
Marty Stempniak has covered healthcare since 2012, with his byline appearing in the American Hospital Association's member magazine, Modern Healthcare and McKnight's. Prior to that, he wrote about village government and local business for his hometown newspaper in Oak Park, Illinois. He won a Peter Lisagor and Gold EXCEL awards in 2017 for his coverage of the opioid epidemic.