Senate committee tables bill to license radiologist assistants after debate on supervision, timing

The Senate Regulated Industries & Utilities Committee on an administrative motion tabled House Bill 571, a measure to create state licensure for radiologist assistants, after more than an hour of testimony and questions exploring scope, supervision and implementation timelines.

Supporters told the committee licensure would create a career pathway for radiologic technologists and ease a radiology workforce shortage that delays diagnostic results. Opponents and some rural-practice physicians warned that parts of the bill as written could restrict after-hours access if the law requires on-site (direct) supervision rather than allowing general supervision in some settings.

Representative Hawkins, the bill sponsor before the committee, said the measure formalizes an existing role and addresses a growing demand in Georgia: “We had this bill last year, 434, that passed through this…