Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H2175

Introduced
2/16/23  
Refer
2/16/23  

Caption

Relative to medical physics

Impact

If enacted, H2175 will significantly impact state law by creating licensure requirements for medical physicists and stipulating the conditions under which medical physicists can practice. The bill outlines qualifications necessary for licensure, which include educational background, certification, and relevant work experience. This will effectively standardize professional expectations across the state and aims to enhance the quality of medical physics services provided to the public, as well as promote safety in medical settings where radiation is utilized.

Summary

House Bill 2175, titled 'An Act relative to medical physics', aims to establish a board of registration in medical physics within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill proposes that this board consist of nine members, including licensed medical physicists, physicians, and a public representative. Their primary responsibility will be to regulate the practice of medical physics, ensuring that practitioners meet specific educational and professional criteria. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the need to formally oversee the engaging and increasingly complex field of medical physics, which plays a critical role in radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging.

Contention

Debate surrounding the bill has highlighted a series of points of contention. Primarily, the concern revolves around the burden of additional regulatory requirements on practitioners and facilities that may not necessitate such stringent oversight. Critics argue that while ensuring quality and safety is crucial, it is also essential to avoid overregulation that could inhibit access to medical physics services. Furthermore, discussions about the make-up of the board and its powers have raised questions about the balance between regulation and professional autonomy, particularly among smaller practices that may struggle with compliance.

Implementation

The bill also includes provisions for the establishment of continuing education requirements and disciplinary measures for licensed medical physicists, ensuring that professionals maintain their competency and adhere to ethical standards. Upon the bill's enactment, anyone practicing medical physics who was operating before this act would be allowed to continue until the board is in place and can implement the new licensing procedures, promoting a smooth transition into the new regulatory framework.

Companion Bills

MA H4854

Replaced by Study Order

Similar Bills

MA H2425

Relative to medical physics

TX HB4380

Relating to requiring an occupational license to practice magnetic resonance imaging physics.

TX SB1328

Relating to requiring an occupational license to practice magnetic resonance imaging physics.

LA SB451

Provides for the permitting of a fusion technologist by the Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners. (8/15/10)

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 HB259

Medical radiation technologists; delete repealers on registration statutes.

MS SB2572

Medical Radiation Technology; extend repealer on provisions related to.