BILL NUMBER: S8470A
SPONSOR: RIVERA
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the supervision of
intravenous administration of contrast media by a radiographer
 
PURPOSE:
To expand access to radiology services by aligning supervision require-
ments for radiologic technologists that administer intravenous contrast
media.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends subsection 3 of section 3501 of the public health law
(PHL) to permit licensed physicians, certified nurse practitioners (NPs)
or licensed physician assistants (PAs) to supervise radiologic technolo-
gists administering intravenous contrast media when such administration
is an integral part of the x-ray or imaging procedure.
Section 2 is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The current law only permits physicians to supervise radiologic technol-
ogists administering contrast media. This provision harms patient care
in two ways. First, it increases patient waiting time for procedures
like CT scans, MR1s, and ultrasounds because physicians (radiologists)
may not always be available. Second, it prevents physicians from
completing other critical patient care tasks.
It is past time to update this PHL provision, which was enacted in 2006.
While it conformed with American College of Radiology (ACR) standards
then, recently issued ACR guidelines clearly state properly trained NPs
and PAs-who possess considerable educational credentials, skills, and
experience-are appropriate supervising clinicians.
This legislation would also improve the radiologic technologist experi-
ence. These valued professionals must often wait extended periods for
licensed physicians to supervise their work, leading to frustrating
delays in care.
Modernizing this law will address health workforce shortages exacerbated
by the COVID-19 pandemic, make it easier for radiologic technologists to
help patients, align State law with expert advice, and most important-
ly-improve care.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Legislation
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Takes effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S8470: 3501 public health law, 3501(3) public health law
S8470A: 3501 public health law, 3501(3) public health law