The bill proposes significant amendments to the regulations governing the Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board in West Virginia. Key changes include the requirement for radiation therapists to complete a degree from a radiation therapy program without needing prior education in radiography, and the stipulation that only criminal convictions directly related to healthcare can be grounds for denying licensure. The bill also repeals outdated sections, eliminates the six-month temporary licensure, and transfers the regulation of radiologist assistants from the Board of Medicine to the Medical Imaging Board. New definitions are introduced, clarifying the roles of "Medical Imaging Technologist" and "Radiation Therapist," while the scope of practice for various technologists is updated to align with national standards.

Additionally, the bill modifies the administrative structure of the licensing board, granting it expanded powers to establish licensing requirements, define fees, and maintain a registry of regulated individuals. It introduces new eligibility criteria for licensure, emphasizing the completion of accredited programs and the necessity of passing board-approved examinations. The bill also outlines a clear disciplinary process for investigating complaints against licensees, ensuring that practitioners adhere to established standards for education, training, and ethical conduct. Overall, these changes aim to enhance public health protections and ensure that professionals in medical imaging and radiation therapy are well-equipped to provide high-quality care.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-23-1, 30-23-2, 30-23-3, 30-23-4, 30-23-5, 30-23-6, 30-23-7, 30-23-8, 30-23-9, 30-23-10, 30-23-11, 30-23-12, 30-23-14, 30-23-15, 30-23-16, 30-23-17, 30-23-18, 30-23-19, 30-23-22, 30-23-24, 30-23-25, 30-23-26, 30-23-27, 30-23-31, 30-23-32, 30-23-33, 30-23-13, 30-23-20, 30-23-21, 30-23-23
Committee Substitute: 30-23-1, 30-23-2, 30-23-3, 30-23-4, 30-23-5, 30-23-6, 30-23-7, 30-23-8, 30-23-9, 30-23-10, 30-23-11, 30-23-12, 30-23-14, 30-23-15, 30-23-16, 30-23-17, 30-23-18, 30-23-19, 30-23-22, 30-23-24, 30-23-25, 30-23-26, 30-23-27, 30-23-31, 30-23-32, 30-23-33, 30-23-13, 30-23-20, 30-23-21, 30-23-23