Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB259

Introduced
1/5/23  
Refer
1/5/23  
Engrossed
2/1/23  
Refer
2/14/23  
Enrolled
3/16/23  

Caption

Medical radiation technologists; delete repealers on registration statutes.

Impact

By enacting the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, House Bill 259 will significantly affect how occupational therapy is regulated across state lines, enhancing public access to therapy services. This move aligns Mississippi with other member states and allows occupational therapists and assistants to provide care in multiple states with fewer licensing barriers. The introduction of this compact suggests a recognition of the evolving nature of healthcare delivery, particularly in response to increasing demand and the realities of modern practice, including telehealth.

Summary

House Bill 259 aims to amend several sections of the Mississippi Code related to medical radiation technology and occupational therapy. The bill revises and expands the definitions associated with nuclear medicine, including the roles of nuclear medicine technologists, and it extends certain statutory provisions that were set to be repealed. Notably, the bill enacts the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, allowing Mississippi to join a multi-state agreement that facilitates interstate practice for licensed occupational therapists and their assistants. This compact is intended to increase access to occupational therapy services while maintaining state regulatory authority.

Sentiment

The sentiment around House Bill 259 appears largely positive among supporters, who emphasize that the compact will streamline processes and better serve residents in need of occupational therapy. Professional bodies and practitioners have generally welcomed the potential for broader access and collaboration across state lines. However, it is important to note that concerns about the adequacy of local regulatory control may arise among critics who might worry about the implications of uniform regulations on locally tailored healthcare practices.

Contention

While House Bill 259 addresses critical matters such as definition revisions and the establishment of a compact, contention could arise regarding the balance between state and professional control over practice standards. Critics might argue that uniform standards could undermine local health needs or dilute regulatory oversight. Further discussions may focus on how to ensure that quality remains high and tailored services are still provided, thereby meeting the diverse needs of Mississippi's residents while participating in this compact.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB1028

Medical radiation technologists; extend repealers on regulation of and revise definition of nuclear medicine tech.

MS SB2572

Medical Radiation Technology; extend repealer on provisions related to.

MS SB2321

Nuclear medicine; establish definition and terminology.

MS HB40

AN ACT relating to the regulation of medical imaging and radiation therapy.

MS HB1018

Relative to the board of medical imaging and radiation therapy.

MS H590

Patient Safety/Med. Imaging/Radiation Therapy

MS S415

Patient Safety/Med. Imaging/Radiation Therapy

MS SB991

Creates provisions relating to the certification of certain x-ray technicians

MS B25-0672

Radiation Protection Act of 2024

MS SB217

Radiation Control Agency of Public Health Dept., radiography, diagnostic imaging, and radiation therapy, health care personnel performing, licensing and reg. advisory, committee established

Similar Bills

MS SB2321

Nuclear medicine; establish definition and terminology.

MS HB1028

Medical radiation technologists; extend repealers on regulation of and revise definition of nuclear medicine tech.

MS SB2572

Medical Radiation Technology; extend repealer on provisions related to.

MS HB478

Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact; create.

KY HB40

AN ACT relating to the regulation of medical imaging and radiation therapy.

NH HB82

Relative to the regulation of various occupations.

MS SB2147

Physical therapy practice laws; revise various provisions of.

MS HB364

Physical therapy practice laws; revise various provisions of.