Relating to the regulation of medical radiologic technology.
The proposed legislation will impact state laws by establishing minimum standards for issuing and renewing certifications for radiologic procedures. It is also intended to improve training programs for both individuals seeking to perform radiologic procedures and those wishing to become radiologist assistants. The bill provides a framework for the board to identify hazardous procedures that require oversight by certified professionals, thus elevating safety and compliance standards within the field.
SB821 aims to regulate medical radiologic technology, specifically by amending the Occupations Code to establish clear definitions and standards for 'radiologist' and 'radiologist assistant'. It defines a radiologist as a physician with specialized training in radiology, while a radiologist assistant is described as an advanced-level medical radiologic technologist working under the supervision of a radiologist. This structure seeks to clarify the roles and responsibilities in the radiology field, enhancing the quality of services provided to patients.
One notable point of contention is the potential impact of advertising restrictions on medical radiologic technologists and radiologist assistants. While the bill prohibits deceptive practices in advertising, it aims to ensure freedom in advertising methods, such as personal appearances and trade names. This aspect of the legislation may raise concerns among professionals regarding the balance between regulating advertising practices and the need for competitive practices in the healthcare market.