The RA functions as a physician extender for a radiologist and currently only three states regulate this profession: Montana, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Other states, however, are seeking legislation.
House bill (HB 819) and Senate bill (SB 1366) incorporate RAs into the current "Radiology Technologist Certification Act" and the act will be renamed `Radiological Personnel Certification Act" if the governor signs the bill into law.
Another provision in the bill adds the RA to the Advisory Council on Radiation Protection, a body that oversees the practice of radiology in Florida. An RA is an advanced-level radiologic technologist (general radiographer), whose additional education and training allows him/her to work under the "direct" supervision of a licensed radiologist. Direct supervision means the radiologist must be present in the office suite and is available to provide assistance and direction during the course of the procedure.
The bill specifies educational requirements, fees, and includes a requirement for clinical preceptorship with a radiologist. The RA will be required to have at least a bachelor's degree; therefore, the level of compensation for this position may exceed that of a radiologic technologist.
In 2005, six universities offered radiologist assistant educational programs. Graduates of these programs are allowed to sit for the radiologist assistant certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Under the new legislation, the scope of practice for an RA must be adopted by rule and be consistent with the national scope of practice adopted by the American College of Radiology (ACR), the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, and the ARRT.
RAs will enhance patient care by assisting radiologists with performing imaging tasks such as arthrograms, upper and lower gastrointestinal tract examinations, placements of feeding tubes, and central venous catheters. The scope of practice of the RA is restricted so they may not interpret images, make a diagnosis, or prescribe medications or therapies.
Moreover, RAs will not be able to perform nuclear medicine or radiation therapy procedures unless they are certified and trained in those areas. Physicians may, however, assign to a radiologist assistant the tasks of evaluating image quality and making initial image observations.
The ACR applauds the efforts of the Florida Radiological Society in advancing HB 819 and SB 1366 before the legislature.
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