Pennsylvania legislators have advanced a bill establishing licensing requirements for medical imaging specialists and radiation therapists.
The Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Health and Safety Act (House Bill 2173) passed unanimously through the state's Professional Licensure Committee on June 3, targeting medical imaging and radiation therapy technology operators.
Pennsylvania does not require medical imaging professionals and radiation therapists to be licensed to use sophisticated and highly advanced equipment that enables accurate medical imaging and therapy, the bill's sponsors said in a memo.
Modalities that would be licensed under House Bill (HB) 2173 include radiography, nuclear medicine, diagnostic sonography (ultrasound), MRI, CT, and radiation therapy. The legislation includes their scope of practice and sets requirements for licensure and license renewal. In addition, HB 2173 determines proper training and supports standards to improve medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures.
The bill also addresses the emerging field of radiologist assistants who have not been permitted to practice due the recency of credentialing.
