Georgia committee hears debate on licensing radiologist assistants; bill tabled for revisions

The Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee took testimony on House Bill 571 on Oct. 12, 2025, a measure that would create a state licensure pathway for radiologist assistants and set a July 1, 2025, effective date; after more than two hours of questions and testimony the committee voted to table the bill to allow sponsors and stakeholders to revise language.

The measure would add an article to state code authorizing the Composite Medical Board to license radiologist assistants, define permissible procedures and supervision levels, and create an advisory group to help the board set scope and protocols. Supporters said licensure would give hospitals confidence to hire assistants, expand a midlevel career path for radiologic technologists, and speed access to diagnostic procedures. Opponents and several committee members said the bill’s timing and supervision language could limit access in rural areas.

Becky Ryals, representing the Georgia Radiological Society and the Georgia Society for Radiologic Technologists, said the board concluded licensure was appropriate because radiologist assistants…