House approves measure to authorize provisional radiology technologist licenses to ease staffing shortages

The House on Jan. 12 approved Project Cam. 8-04, legislation to amend Law 76 (2006) to permit the board to issue provisional licenses to graduates in radiologic technologies and radiotherapy so they can practice under physician supervision for up to 12 months while completing revalidation requirements.

Representative Soriggins (chair of the health commission) presented the measure and said it builds on a temporary resolution (Joint Resolution 85 of 2024) that authorized provisional certificates through Dec. 31, 2026. The bill seeks a permanent statutory mechanism to address an ‘‘apremiante’’ shortage of specialized technologists and ensure continuity of critical cardiovascular and peripheral vascular services.

The measure was considered with enmiendas en sala clarifying textual changes and editorial corrections. The floor approved enmiendas on the record and then approved the bill for final vote; the later electronic tally reported 52 votes in favor with one recorded against and one abstention recorded in the electronic report. Supporters argued the permanent provisional licensure would protect patient care without diluting supervision and quality standards; the bill retains supervisory requirements by a licensed radiologist or radio‑oncologist.

The measure now proceeds through the legislative calendar as provided in the chamber rules and will be referred to the Senate for consideration as required.