Alaska Rep. Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage) has filed a bill in the state's House of Representatives that would require licensure for personnel performing medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures, according to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
Alaska requires staff members who perform fluoroscopic procedures to complete 10 hours of fluoroscopy-specific radiation safety training, but it does not have licensure or regulatory laws for those who perform other medical imaging procedures or radiation therapy treatments, ASRT said.
HB 29 states that staff performing radiography, radiation therapy, or nuclear medicine procedures must complete particular educational requirements and pass a certification examination, which may include the exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB).
The bill also includes requirements for limited x-ray operators, who may only perform radiography of the chest, abdomen, and axial-appendicular skeleton, and may only conduct these exams under the supervision of a fully licensed radiologic technologist or a licensed practitioner, ASRT said.
