SSB 5299
In CommitteeSenate
Radiologic technologists
Concerning virtual direct 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 how physicians may supervise radiologic technologists, especially regarding remote supervision and the use of intravenous contrast. It allows technologists to perform IV contrast procedures under general supervision rather than requiring a physician to be physically present, and sets clear expectations for physician response time and telemedicine compliance.
- Clarifies that 'general supervision' means supervision under a physician’s overall direction and control, without requiring the physician to be physically present during the procedure.
- Allows intravenous (IV) contrast procedures to be performed under general supervision (not direct supervision) by diagnostic, therapeutic, and MRI technologists.
- Specifies that if general supervision is done remotely, the physician must be able to respond on-site within 15 minutes and comply with all applicable telemedicine laws and facility policies.
- Expands the definition of 'radiologic technologist' to include radiologist assistants and cardiovascular invasive specialists, and clarifies their scope of practice and supervision levels.
- Confirms that 'nonionizing radiation' includes radiofrequency, microwaves, visible, infrared, ultraviolet light, and ultrasound.
Who is affected
- Radiologic technologists — Radiologic technologists (including diagnostic, therapeutic, MRI, nuclear medicine, radiologist assistants, and cardiovascular invasive specialists) gain clarity on when they may perform intravenous contrast procedures under general supervision instead of requiring direct supervision by a physician on-site.
- Physicians — Physicians who supervise radiologic technologists gain flexibility in how supervision is provided—specifically, they may supervise remotely as long as they can respond on-site within 15 minutes—and clearer rules about what 'general supervision' entails.
- Healthcare facilities — Hospitals and imaging clinics may adjust staffing and supervision protocols to align with new rules on supervision, especially regarding remote oversight and on-site response time requirements.
- Patients — Patients benefit from potentially increased access to imaging services, as technologists may perform certain procedures (like IV contrast administration) under less restrictive supervision, allowing physicians to oversee more procedures simultaneously.
Pro/Con Analysis
Potential Benefits (5)
May reduce staffing costs for hospitals and imaging centers by allowing one physician to supervise multiple technologists remotely, especially in rural or low-volume facilities where full-time on-site radiologists are scarce or expensive.
Business & EmploymentIndustryRef: Sec. 1(5)(b)Creates clearer pathways for advanced technologists (radiologist assistants, cardiovascular invasive specialists) to practice at the top of their license, potentially increasing hiring flexibility and reducing reliance on higher-cost radiologists for certain tasks.
Business & EmploymentIndustryRef: Sec. 1(8)(e)-(f)Facilitates expansion of tele-radiology models and remote supervision infrastructure, which disproportionately benefits large health systems and for-profit imaging chains that have the capital to invest in telemedicine platforms and compliance systems.
Business & EmploymentIndustryRef: Sec. 1(5)(b)Formalizes advanced roles for radiologist assistants and cardiovascular invasive specialists—positions that are often employed by large hospital systems or multispecialty groups—enabling them to bill at higher rates and take on more revenue-generating tasks under physician supervision.
Business & EmploymentIndustryRef: Sec. 1(8)(e)-(f)Enables physician-owned imaging centers and large health systems to optimize physician time and supervision ratios, increasing throughput and profitability without proportional increases in physician headcount.
Business & EmploymentIndustryRef: Sec. 1(5)(a)
Potential Concerns (5)
Allows radiologic technologists to administer IV contrast under general supervision (not direct/physical presence), potentially increasing access to imaging services in underserved areas and reducing wait times for patients.
HealthcarePeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(a) and (b), (8)(a)-(c)Requires physicians to be within 15 minutes of on-site response during remote supervision—this improves patient safety while allowing more efficient physician oversight, especially in rural or low-resource facilities where physician coverage is limited.
HealthcarePeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(b), (8)(a)-(c)Expands scope of practice for radiologist assistants and cardiovascular invasive specialists, enabling them to perform more advanced procedures under appropriate supervision, which may reduce physician workload and improve workflow efficiency in imaging departments.
HealthcareLean peopleRef: Sec. 1(8)(e)-(f)Clarifies that IV contrast procedures may be performed under general supervision rather than requiring direct physician presence, reducing barriers to timely imaging and potentially lowering costs for facilities and patients.
HealthcarePeopleRef: Sec. 1(8)(a)-(c)Mandates compliance with telemedicine laws and facility policies for remote supervision, which supports equitable access to care while maintaining quality and safety standards.
HealthcarePeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(b)
Who Is Most Affected
Technologists gain clearer authority to perform IV contrast procedures under general supervision, increasing autonomy and scope of practice—especially beneficial for those working in rural or understaffed facilities. However, they remain under physician supervision and do not gain independent practice authority.
Physicians gain flexibility in supervision models, especially in remote or low-acuity settings, but must still be available within 15 minutes and comply with telemedicine rules—reducing time on-site but not eliminating liability or oversight responsibility.
Large health systems and for-profit imaging chains benefit most from operational efficiencies and ability to stretch physician supervision across multiple sites; small independent imaging centers may face compliance costs or struggle to meet 15-minute response requirements without dedicated on-call staff.
Patients benefit from increased access to imaging services and potentially shorter wait times, especially in rural or underserved areas. However, those in facilities without robust telemedicine infrastructure or 24/7 physician response capacity may face delays or reduced availability of contrast studies.