The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to radiologic technologists and radiologist assistants by revising the approval process for educational institutions. It would allow the Department of Health Services (DHS) to approve schools based on accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, rather than exclusively from the Committee on Allied Health Accreditation. Additionally, the bill would eliminate the requirement for a minimum of 24 months of full-time study and reduce the clinical experience requirement from 1,800 hours to 1,650 hours.

Moreover, the bill introduces new provisions, such as requiring classroom instruction to include an introduction to various imaging modalities instead of focusing solely on radiation therapy. It expands the subjects covered in certification examinations to align with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists' standards and establishes conditions for general supervision of radiologist assistants, defining it as supervision by a licensed radiologist accessible via telecommunication. The bill also modifies application and renewal fees for technologist certificates, removes radiologic technologists from the definition of "health care provider" in telehealth contexts, and adds "registered nurse practitioner" to the list of exempt health professionals regarding diagnostic x-ray machine use. Overall, these changes aim to improve the safety and effectiveness of radiologic practices in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-2804, 32-2813, 32-2815, 32-2819, 32-2841, 36-3601, 32-2812, 30-651, 32-4301, 32-2821
House Engrossed Version: 30-672, 32-2804, 32-2813, 32-2815, 32-2819, 32-2841, 36-3601, 30-654, 30-694, 32-2812, 30-651, 32-4301, 32-2821
Senate Engrossed Version: 30-672, 32-2804, 32-2813, 32-2815, 32-2819, 32-2819.01, 32-2841, 36-3601, 30-654, 30-694, 32-2812, 30-651, 32-4301, 32-2821