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Committee passes bill allowing limited X‑ray operators to work in same facility as other imaging technicians amid safety concerns
Summary
House Bill 72 passed with a favorable report after testimony from medical and radiology stakeholders; proponents said the bill clarifies scope and allows LXMO operators to work in facilities alongside other imaging technicians, while some physicians warned against expanding their role into acute‑care settings.
The committee passed House Bill 72, which modifies KRS 311B.020 to allow limited X‑ray machine operators (LXMO) to operate equipment in the same facility as other imaging technicians and to specify a limited scope of practice, sponsors and witnesses said.
Rep. DJ Johnson presented the bill and invited stakeholders including Tom Underwood of the Kentucky Podiatric Medical Association and others to explain the proposed change. Supporters said the bill resolves a policy problem that emerged after 2012 language left some outpatient practices non‑compliant when LXMOs and other imaging technicians could not be in the same facility.
Witnesses testified that LXMOs often operate a single type of equipment and training programs vary; some programs are two‑year associate degrees while LXMO training can be shorter or delivered online. Proponents said LXMOs are intended for outpatient settings and the bill explicitly limits their scope of practice.
Several physicians and a diagnostic radiologist testified in opposition or with caution, saying hospitals and acute‑care settings require personnel with broader training and warning that placing LXMOs in hospital settings could create safety and supervision challenges. Senator Berg explained a no vote saying she would have favored a narrower bill limited to outpatient settings.
Other senators asked whether statutory language provides safeguards to prevent misuse and whether the scope is sufficiently limited; sponsors said the statute sets the scope of practice and that supervision and role delineation will remain in place.
The committee adopted the substitute and passed House Bill 72 with a favorable report; several senators recorded explained votes and asked for further clarification ahead of floor debate.
