SHB 1546
In CommitteeHouse
Radiologic technologists
Concerning general supervision of diagnostic radiologic technologists, therapeutic radiologic technologists, and magnetic resonance imaging technologists by licensed physicians.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill clarifies and expands the conditions under which radiologic technologists—including diagnostic, therapeutic, MRI, nuclear medicine, radiologist assistant, and cardiovascular invasive specialists—may perform procedures like IV contrast injections under general supervision (not requiring the physician to be physically present), provided the supervising physician is within 30 miles and available to respond. It also updates definitions to better reflect modern imaging practices and supervision models.
- Clarifies that intravenous (IV) contrast procedures may be performed by radiologic technologists under general supervision—meaning a physician does not need to be physically present—as long as the physician is within 30 miles and available to respond as needed.
- Defines 'general supervision' to include remote supervision, but requires compliance with all federal and state telemedicine laws and local facility policies.
- Amends the definition of 'radiologic technologist' to explicitly include radiologist assistants and cardiovascular invasive specialists, and clarifies their scope of practice and supervision levels.
- Adds a definition for 'cardiac or vascular catheterization' to specify the types of procedures involving heart, coronary, or vascular access via catheter under fluoroscopy.
- Expands the definition of 'approved schools' to include programs for radiologist assistants and cardiovascular invasive specialists, and allows recognition of external standard-setting organizations.
Who is affected
- Radiologic technologists and related imaging professionals — Radiologic technologists (including diagnostic, therapeutic, MRI, nuclear medicine, radiologist assistants, and cardiovascular invasive specialists) gain clarity on when and how they may perform intravenous contrast procedures under general supervision instead of requiring direct physician presence.
- Physicians supervising imaging procedures — Physicians who supervise radiologic technologists must now ensure that remote supervision complies with telemedicine laws and remains within 30 miles to respond to patient needs, affecting how they delegate and oversee imaging procedures.
- Healthcare facilities and hospitals — Hospitals and imaging facilities must update policies to align with new supervision standards, especially regarding remote supervision and telemedicine compliance.
- Patients receiving diagnostic imaging — Patients may experience more consistent access to imaging services, as technologists can perform certain contrast procedures under broader supervision, potentially reducing delays.
Pro/Con Analysis
Potential Benefits (5)
Expanding IV contrast administration under general supervision may improve access to timely imaging services—especially in rural or underserved areas where radiologist coverage is limited—by allowing technologists to perform procedures without requiring a physician on-site.
HealthcareRef: Section 1(5)(a) and (8)(a)-(c)Formal recognition of radiologist assistants and cardiovascular invasive specialists may reduce reliance on radiologists for routine procedural tasks, allowing physicians to focus on interpretation and complex interventions, potentially improving efficiency and capacity in imaging departments.
HealthcareRef: Section 1(8)(e)-(f)Expanding the definition of 'approved schools' to include programs for radiologist assistants and cardiovascular invasive specialists—and allowing recognition of external standard-setting organizations—may increase training pathways and workforce supply over time.
EducationRef: Section 1(2) and Section 1(1)The 30-mile proximity requirement and telemedicine compliance clause aim to balance flexibility with patient safety, preserving a safety net for urgent complications while enabling task delegation.
HealthcareRef: Section 1(5)(b)Clarifying scope of practice for technologists may reduce legal uncertainty for employers and support expansion of advanced roles, potentially improving job satisfaction and retention in radiologic professions.
Business & EmploymentRef: Section 1(8)(a)-(c)
Potential Concerns (5)
The bill clarifies that radiologic technologists may perform IV contrast injections under general supervision (no physician physically present), provided the supervising physician is within 30 miles and available to respond. This expands scope of practice and may reduce procedural delays for patients needing contrast-enhanced imaging.
HealthcareRef: Section 1(5)(a) and (b)The bill explicitly includes radiologist assistants and cardiovascular invasive specialists in the definition of radiologic technologists and clarifies their scope of practice, including IV contrast administration under general supervision. This reduces regulatory ambiguity and may improve workforce flexibility.
HealthcareRef: Section 1(5)(b) and Section 1(8)(e)-(f)The requirement that remote supervision comply with all federal/state telemedicine laws and local facility policies may impose minor administrative burden on facilities to audit and update policies, but the fiscal impact is stated as minimal.
HealthcareRef: Section 1(5)(b)Requiring the supervising physician to be within 30 miles and available to respond may reduce emergency response time compared to fully remote supervision, but does not require physical presence—potentially increasing risk if communication or response delays occur in rural or high-acuity settings.
Public SafetyRef: Section 1(5)(b)By formally recognizing radiologist assistants and cardiovascular invasive specialists and expanding their scope, the bill may increase demand for these advanced roles, supporting career advancement and retention in radiology workflows.
Business & EmploymentRef: Section 1(8)(e)-(f)
Who Is Most Affected
Radiologic technologists gain clearer authority to perform IV contrast procedures without requiring a physician on-site, expanding their scope and autonomy. This may improve job satisfaction and reduce workflow bottlenecks.
Physicians retain oversight responsibility and must remain within 30 miles and available to respond, but no longer need to be physically present for contrast procedures—potentially increasing their capacity for interpretation and complex care.
Hospitals and imaging centers may benefit from improved workflow efficiency and staffing flexibility, but will need to update policies to ensure telemedicine compliance and supervision protocols—likely incurring minor administrative costs.
Patients may experience shorter wait times and more consistent access to imaging services, especially in areas with limited radiologist availability. However, the impact on outcomes depends on supervision quality and response protocols.