Idaho Senate introduces rad tech licensure bill
A bill currently awaiting a hearing in the Idaho Senate Committee on Health and Welfare would require individuals in Idaho to secure a license before performing medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures.
Senate Bill 1115 requires the personnel who operate radiologic equipment to complete a series of stringent education requirements and pass a certification exam, according to a release from the Idaho Society of Radiologic Technologists.
Currently, there are no Idaho licensing standards for radiologic technologists, meaning individuals can perform procedures without taking courses in medical radiation safety, patient positioning or basic radiologic science physics.
If enacted, the state will create the Board of Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Examiners. The nine-person board will oversee the licensing requirements for all personnel who perform medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures. In addition, the board will be responsible for administering disciplinary measures and penalties.
Licensing standards will apply to the following radiologic technology practice areas:
- Radiography
- Radiation therapy
- Nuclear medicine
- Limited radiography and limited fluoroscopy
- MRI
- Diagnostic CT
- Bone densitometry
- Ultrasound
- Radiologist assistant