Relating to the regulation of medical radiologic technology.
Impact
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.
Summary
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.
Contention
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.
Relating to the regulation of certain health professionals and health facilities; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to health care transparency, including advertising, identification, and notice requirements for certain health facilities and health professionals; authorizing administrative and civil penalties.
Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, delivery, sale, and research of medical cannabis for medical use by patients with certain medical conditions and the licensing of medical cannabis organizations; authorizing fees.
Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of medical cannabis for medical use by qualifying patients with certain debilitating medical conditions and the licensing of dispensing organizations and cannabis testing facilities; authorizing fees.
Relating to the provision and delivery of certain health, mental health, and educational services in this state, including the delivery of those services using telecommunications or information technology.
Relating to the prescribing of medical cannabis for medical use to certain veterans with combat-related injuries or medical conditions and the licensing of dispensing organizations under the Texas Compassionate Use Program.