Senate Bill 279 recently came to our attention. ASRT sent a letter to the senators of the committee requesting changes in the language to maintain licensing standards. By removing medical imaging, this legislation would maintain the defined scope of certified nurse practitioners without allowing them to perform or supervise medical imaging procedures they are not adequately educated and clinically competent to perform or supervise. Michigan R.T. Professional Standards A workgroup of representatives from the Michigan Society of Radiologic Technologists, American Society of Radiologic Technologists, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section are working to introduce a licensure bill and update existing radiation control rules and add requirements for operators of ionizing medical radiation equipment. Radiologic technologists work directly with patients using radiation equipment and hazardous radioactive materials to perform radiology procedures. Licensure would require radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists, radiation therapists, radiologist assistants and limited x-ray machine operators in the state to meet educational standards along with successful completion of the appropriate certification examination approved by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity . Misapplication of radiation may lead to skin necrosis, sterility and radiation sickness. In fact, exposure to excessive radiation has been demonstrated to lead to an increased risk of cancer. Excessive radiation levels can be imparted by CT scans, interventional radiology and fluoroscopic procedures if not properly used. Enactment of legislation could eliminate unnecessary exposures from unqualified personnel by setting competency standards. Currently, Michigan only has standards in place for CT and mammography exams. The state is an outlier in establishing minimum standards for personnel who perform radiography, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine and limited scope radiology procedures; the majority of states are protecting their patients by establishing standards. For more information on the role of medical imaging, visit asrt.org/BeSeen. View all state legislative and regulatory activity that ASRT follows. 2024 MI State Legislature You can familiarize yourself with Michigan laws and legislative process by clicking on the following links: The Legislature of the State of Michigan |
