SB 184

This bill regulates the practice of radiography, defined in the bill as the imaging

of anatomical structures by application of X-rays to the human body using

knowledge in certain technical fields for the purpose of medical diagnosis. Under the

bill, no person may practice radiography except a person who holds a license or who

holds a limited X-ray machine operator permit (limited permit), but the bill contains

an exception for the quantitative assessment of bone mass using single or dual

energy X-ray absorptiometry (bone densitometry). A limited permit authorizes the

holder to perform radiography of one or more of four portions of the body specified

in the bill. A license or limited permit is granted by a seven-member Radiography

Examining Board (board), created in the bill. The license or limited permit

requirement does not apply to a physician, chiropractor, dentist, dental hygienist, or

podiatrist, to a person who is directly supervised by a chiropractor and who has

completed a training program approved by the Chiropractic Examining Board, or to

a person who is directly supervised by a podiatrist and who has completed a training

program approved by the Podiatrists Affiliated Credentialing Board. The bill

prohibits the use of diagnostic X-ray equipment on humans for diagnostic purposes

without a prescription or order by a physician, dentist, podiatrist, chiropractor,

advanced practice nurse prescriber, or physician assistant.

Under the bill, the board may grant a license or limited permit to a person who

is at least 18 years of age, holds a high school diploma or equivalent, pays a fee, passes

an examination, and completes specified educational requirements. To obtain a

license, a person must complete an approved course of study in radiography. To

obtain a limited permit, a person must complete an appropriate course of study.

The bill directs the board to promulgate rules that establish standards for

courses of study, for examinations, and for continuing education. The board may

promulgate a code of ethics for licensees and limited permit holders, and may deny,

limit, revoke, or suspend a license or limited permit held by persons who commit

specified infractions. The bill also provides for licensure or issuance of a limited

permit to a person currently practicing radiography who passes an examination

administered by the board.