2007 Legislative Report

Oklahoma State Radiological Society

Oklahoma State Radiological Society
Oklahoma State Legislative Report

HB1647 was passed Wednesday, March 5

HB 1647, Licensure of Radiologist Assistants, by Rep. Pam Peterson and Sen. Jim Williamson.

Radiologist Assistant: According to the American College of Radiology and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, a radiologist assistant is an advanced-level radiographer who works under the direct supervision of a radiologist to promote high standards of patient care by assisting radiologists in the diagnostic imaging environment. Under radiologist supervision, the R.A. performs patient assessment, patient management, and selected clinical imaging procedures. Certification as an R.A. does not quality the R.A. to perform interpretations (preliminary, final, or otherwise) of any radiological examination.

The Committee Substitute provisions are as follows:

Section 2, A - provides that radiologist assistants are licensed by the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision and shall practice under the direct supervision of a radiologist who is also licensed by the Board of Medical Licensure or Board of Osteopathic Examiners.

Section 2 - B - specifies the Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision as the final authority on scope of practice and all other matters.

Section 2 - D - provides that a radiologist assistant may not interpret images, make diagnoses or prescribe medications or therapies or obtain informed consent.

Section 3 creates a seven (7) member Radiologist Assistant Advisory Committee that may make recommendations to the Board regarding educational requirements, scope of practice and other matters. Members include five (5) physicians of which two (2) are radiologists. Two members are radiologist assistants.

Section 4 specifies duties of the State Board of Medical Licensure to license, promulgate rules and conduct hearings. Fees for licensure and renewal shall not exceed $300 per license or renewal.

Section 5 outlines requirements for radiologist assistants applying for licensure to meet certain qualifications.

Section 6 authorizes the use of the title of radiologist assistant.

Section 7 sets requirements for the process of licensure, renewal and notice of intent to discontinue practice as a radiologist assistant.

Section 8 authorizes that fees be deposited by the State Treasurer in the State Board's fund, less the 10% paid into the General Revenue Fund.

Section 9 outlines procedures for licensure revocation or suspension. Specifies reasons to reprimand a licensee or deny a license to an applicant.

Section 10 states that the provisions of this act shall not require the licensure or certification of radiology technologists or technicians.

Education and Training: Currently there are seven (7) educational programs nationally recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) for radiologist assistants. An additional two (2) are in development. Qualifications to be certified as a radiologist assistant include:

Certification by the AART and registered in radiography
At least one year of clinical experience
Earned a baccalaureate degree
Successfully completed a radiologist assistant educational program recognized by the AART

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