Existing law, the Medical Practice Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of physicians and surgeons by the Medical Board of California. The act authorizes a medical assistant, as defined, to perform specified treatment activities under designated conditions, and requires the board to adopt and administer regulations that establish standards for technical supportive services that medical assistant is authorized to perform. Existing law, the Radiologic Technology Act, provides for the certification and regulation of radiologic technologists by the State Department of Public Health.
This bill, until January 1, 2023, would require the board to establish the Radiologist Assistant Advisory Committee for the purpose of identifying the appropriate training, qualifications, and scope of practice for individuals providing assistance to radiologists. The bill would require the advisory committee to research and recommend potential statutory changes to grant expanded practice authority to certified radiologic technologists or medical assistants working under the supervision of a radiologist, as specified, and would require the advisory committee to submit a report of the research and recommendations of the advisory committee to the board, the Governor, and the Legislature on or before January 1, 2022. The bill would require the Medical Board of California and the Department of Public Health to adopt regulations to implement these recommendations.