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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
House: HHS DPA 10-2-0-0
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HB 2050: radiologic technologists; radiologist assistants
Sponsor: Representative Bliss, LD 1
House Engrossed
Overview
Modifies statutory standards used by the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) when considering approval of a school of radiologic technology's course of study. Allows a radiologist assistant to perform certain acts under supervision, rather than direct supervision.
History
Radiologic technologists hold a certificate issued by DHS to apply ionizing radiation to individuals at the direction of a licensed practitioner for general diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Radiologists assistants hold a certificate to perform independent advanced procedures in medical imaging and interventional radiology under the guidance, directions, supervision and discretion of a licensed practitioner of medicine or osteopathic medicine specializing in radiology. A mammographic technologist is a person who applies ionizing radiation to the breasts of a human for diagnostic purposes (A.R.S. § 32-2801).
DHS issues certificates to these professionals if they meet all applicable requirements. DHS can approve a school of radiologic technology if the school's course of study includes: 1) a minimum of 24-months of full-time study or its equivalent and is accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Accreditation; 2) at least 400 hours of classroom work including radiation protection, x-ray physics, radiographic techniques, processing techniques, nursing procedures, anatomy and physiology, radiographic positioning, radiation therapy and professional ethics; 3) at least 1,800 hours devoted to clinical experience and 4) 80 hours of regularly scheduled supervised film critiques. The course of study must include demonstrations, discussions, seminars and supervised practice (A.R.S. § 32-2804).
DHS issues certificates for mammographic technologists who wish to practice in Arizona. An applicant for certification must complete certain training and education requirements and pass an examination. The current application and renewal fee for a computed tomography technologist certificate is statutorily set at $20. Radiologists may perform the following acts under direct supervision: 1) perform fluoroscopic procedures; 2) assess and evaluate physiologic and psychological responsiveness of patients undergoing radiologic procedures; 3) administer contrast media or other medications prescribed by a supervising radiologist; 4) evaluate image quality, make initial observations and communicate those to the supervising radiologist; and 5) perform any other procedures consistent with DHS rules (A.R.S. §§ 32-2819 and 32-2841).
Provisions
1. Allows DHS to approve a satisfactory standard for a school of radiologic technology that is accredited by the:
a. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs;
b. the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology; or
c. accredited as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. (Sec. 2)
2. Specifies that an approved radiologic technology school's course of study must have at least 400 hours of classroom work that includes radiographic imaging, patient care procedures and an introduction to other imaging modalities. (Sec. 2)
3. Reduces the hours of clinical experience from 1,800 hours to 1,650 hours that an approved radiologic technology school must include in its course of study. (Sec. 2)
4. Requires examination for certification of radiologic technologists to include:
a. radiographic imaging and patient care procedures; and
b. content specifications outlined by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. (Sec. 3)
5. Allows a radiologist assistant to perform certain tasks under supervision, rather than direct supervision. (Sec. 5)
6. Defines supervision to mean supervision by a licensed radiologist who is readily accessible by telecommunication. (Sec. 5)
7. Replaces the $20 fee for a computed tomography technologist certificate with a fee prescribed by DHS rule. (Sec. 6)
8. Removes radiologic technologists and radiologist assistants from the definition of health care provider as it pertains to the delivery of health care through telehealth. (Sec. 7)
9. Adds registered nurse practitioners to the list of health professionals not required to obtain an additional license to use a diagnostic x-ray machine. (Sec. 1)
10. Contains a legislative intent clause. (Sec. 8)
11. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1-7)
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15. Initials AG HB 2050
16. 1/6/2026 Page 0 House Engrossed
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