Idaho Law Would Require Radiologic Technologist Licensure

The Idaho state Senate is considering a measure that would require radiologic technologists to have a license before performing medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures.

Idaho is one of five states that have no licensure laws, and standards vary widely by state, according to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. The District of Columbia also has no standards, and Alaska only has requirements for those performing fluoroscopy.

A federal measure - known as the Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility and Excellence (CARE) in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy bill - has failed to move forward in recent years. That measure would set minimum education and certification standards.

Idaho’s measure, Senate Bill 1115, is awaiting a hearing in the Idaho Senate Committee on Health and Welfare. Currently, a person can perform a procedure without taking a single course in medical radiation, patient positioning, or radiologic science physics, according to ASRT. This bill would require a technologist to complete a series of educational requirements and pass a certification exam.

“The educational and training standards outlined in S. 1115 are a big step toward fulfilling our promise to provide patents with the best care possible,” Mike Gurr, RT (R), chairman of the Idaho Society of Radiologic Technologists, said in a statement.

Under the law, the state would create a Board of Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Examiners to oversee licensing requirements and administering disciplinary measures and penalties. Licensing standards would apply to radiography, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, MRI, CT, sonography, bone densitometry, limited radiography and limited fluoroscopy, and radiologist assistant.