For far too long, legislation that provides for regulations and licensure of medical imaging professionals has been pending in the General Assembly. First introduced in 2017, having passed the full House in 2022 and then the Senate Professional Licensure Committee the next session in 2024, the Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Health and Safety Act has been requested by the very professionals who provide medical imaging. It is time that we deliver for all Pennsylvanians.

Unlike doctors and nurses, there is no state requirement for medical imaging professionals and radiation therapists to be licensed to use sophisticated and highly advanced equipment that enables accurate medical imaging and therapy. These new technologies allow advances in medical treatment that once was considered impossible.

This licensing program would fall under the purview of the State Board of Medicine. Specialty areas (modalities) within the medical field that would be licensed under this legislation include radiography (x-ray operation), nuclear medicine, diagnostic sonography (ultrasound), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and radiation therapy. The bill also addresses the field of radiologist assistants, who are advanced radiography specialists. Advanced radiography specialists is an emerging field not permitted to practice in Pennsylvania due to the recency of these credentials being created and recognized nationally.

The bill establishes the scope of practice for each modality, sets requirements for the licensure and renewal of licenses, determines proper training, and develops standards to improve medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures. Medical imaging professionals work under the supervision of licensed practitioners similarly to medical doctors and osteopathic physicians in the imaging of patients. Those licensed practitioners would not be affected by this legislation, nor would dentists, chiropractors, podiatrists, or veterinarians.

As technology advances in our daily lives, medical imaging equipment is no exception. New radiography equipment is specialized and is allowing advances in the field that used to be only theoretical in nature. However, with these technological advances and the increased imaging ability, comes the increased risks associated with increased exposure to ionizing radiation. Over-exposure to ionizing radiation in Pennsylvania patients is something that can be avoided. Examples exist across the country where ionizing radiation overexposure has led to avoidable health complications and even death. This bill is the first step in avoiding such risks to Pennsylvania’s patients receiving radiographic imaging services.

The legislation will help assure patients that they are receiving the highest quality of care administered by medical imaging professionals. Simply put, this legislation is an example of a profession putting their best foot forward to ensure patient safety while ensuring access to quality, technologically advanced care.

I am pleased to be joined by my friend and colleague Representative Bryan Cutler as we advance this important piece of legislation.