Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Radiology Licensing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate approves substitute bill licensing radiology practical technicians to ease rural shortages
Summary
The Senate passed a substitute to SB 78 to create a licensing pathway for radiology practical technicians, aiming to help rural hospitals while retaining limits on the kinds of X-rays such technicians may perform and maintaining patient safety safeguards.
The Senate approved a substitute to SB 78 on third reading to establish licensure for radiology practical technicians. Sponsors and supporters said the measure addresses a workforce shortage in rural hospitals by allowing a licensed practical technician to perform limited X-ray procedures under supervision, while preserving the higher training and responsibilities of radiology technologists.
Floor discussion described the difference in training and responsibilities: radiology technologists typically complete a two-year course and handle a broad range of radiologic procedures including radionuclides and complex imaging; practical technicians would be licensed for a narrower set of procedures appropriate for rural and on-call situations. Supporters said the substitute resulted from negotiation among radiology technologists, rural hospitals, and licensing officials.
Senators asked about competency exams and expressed concern that the bill’s language allowing "one or more" competency-based examinations might confuse applicants about which test they must pass. Sponsors said the state would develop an appropriate exam and that national exams would remain an option for technicians seeking interstate portability of their licenses. The substitute passed with recorded votes showing 21 ayes, 4 nays and 4 absent.
