Public Notifications/Legislation/Rule

Radiology

Public Hearing Notice

Department of Health

Louisiana Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners

Public Hearing Notice

(LAC 46:LXVI. Chapters 1-15)

In compliance with Act No. 454 of the 2018 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, the Louisiana Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners hereby gives notice that a public hearing will be held at the Louisiana Hospital Association, 9521 Brookline, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 at 9:00am on October 9, 2019 for the purpose of receiving comments on any rule of the agency.

All interested persons will be afforded an opportunity to submit data, views, or arguments either orally or in writing regarding Board rules only. The agency will consider fully all written and oral comments. Comments must be received in writing in order to be submitted to the legislative oversight committees. Furthermore, written comments must (1) state the name and address of the person submitting the comments and be dated to include original signature, (2) include an exact statement of the changes sought and the effect of the proposed change on existing practice, and (3) include data, opinions or arguments in support of request. Written comments are to be submitted to Kenneth Jones, Executive Director, 3108 Cleary Ave, Suite 207, Metairie, LA 70002. Comments must be postmarked at least ten business days prior to the scheduled hearing.

The hearing site is accessible to people using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. If other reasonable accommodations are required in order to participate in the hearings, please contact the Executive Director in writing with your request at least ten business days prior to the scheduled hearing.

Kenneth Jones, Executive Director

The Board received no written or oral comments to the Public Hearing held on October 9, 2019. This will be reported to the Board’s Legislative Oversight Committees.

Board Position Statements

The following position statements by the Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners is intended to serve as clarification on what actions related to the use of ionizing radiation require the license dictated by LA R.S. 37:3200-3221

Cardiac Catherization Lab Setting

The setting or altering of any parameters (on or attached to the radiographic/fluoroscopic equipment) affecting the intensity, duration or size of the ionizing radiation fields must be performed by a Licensed Radiographer or Licensed Physician. When the radiographic/fluoroscopic equipment is energized (on) the presence of the Licensed Radiographer or Licensed Physician is required.

Adopted 1991 // Revised 2012

Clinic Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic Technologist(s) employed by a private physician, a group of private physicians, a partnership of private physicians, or a professional medical corporation composed of private physicians would be under the jurisdiction of the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners.

Radiologic Technologist(s) not employed in private physicians practices as stated above are under the jurisdiction of the Louisiana State Radiologic Board of Examiners LA R.S. 37:3200-3219.

Adopted 1989 // Revised 2012

Computerized Tomographic (CT) Procedures & Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Procedures

Administration of an isotope and to perform a PET scan requires a Licensed Nuclear Medicine Technologist or a Licensed Physician.

Performance of a CT scan requires a Licensed Radiographer or a Licensed Physician.

Operation and performance of a PET/CT hybrid scanner requires a Licensed Radiographer and a Licensed Nuclear Medicine Technologist or a person Licensed in both categories, or a Licensed Nuclear Medicine Technologist with a Fusion Technologist license.

Adopted 2006 // Revised 2012

Fluoroscopy By Radiographers

Licensed Radiologic Technologists in Radiography are permitted to assist and perform fluoroscopic procedures under the supervisory level of a Licensed Physician. The required level of supervision is defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and applies to all fluoroscopic procedures performed in Louisiana.

Adopted 2003 // Revised 1-16-2013

Grandfather Clause - Renewal

Radiologic Technologists who received their license under the one-time limited grandfather clause may only keep the license by meeting the established criteria and renewing every two years. The license becomes null, void and invalid if not renewed. Reinstatement is only possible with the successful completion of a board approved program and passing the board examination for the category in which practice is desired.

Adopted 1987 // Revised 2012

Injection of Contrast Media/Medications

Licensed Radiologic Technologists are permitted to inject as prescribed by a Licensed Physician, contrast media and other medications with the exception of Scheduled narcotics (which are restricted to the administration by licensed physicians or registered nurses), unless prohibited by institutional policy.

Adopted 1987 // Revised 2012

Medical Physicist

Medical Physicist are not permitted to apply ionizing radiation to humans
unless under the direct physical supervision and control of a Licensed Radiologic Technologist or Licensed Physician.

Adopted 1997 // Revised 2012

Nuclear Medicine Procedures

All nuclear medicine procedures including the use of materials emitting ionizing radiation and equipment detecting ionizing radiation (scanners) must be performed by a Licensed Nuclear Medicine Technologist or Licensed Physician. The physical presence of the Licensed Nuclear Technologist or Licensed Physician is required for the entire procedure.

Adopted April 1989 // Revised October 1989 // Revised 2012

Radiologic Technologist's Practice Standards

The LSRTBE adopted as a guideline the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Practice Standards for Radiography, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiation Therapy. Unlicensed persons are not permitted to measure or position patients for radiographic procedures, adjust controls on radiographic/fluoroscopic equipment, or do any other duties stated in the practice standards, regardless of supervision.

Adopted 1985 // Revised 2012

Radiologic Technologist Assistant (Tech Aid)

Individual(s) employed as a Radiologic Technologist Assistant (Tech Aid) may only assist the Licensed Radiologic Technologist(s). Duties stated within the ASRT practice standards are not to be performed by the Radiologic Technologist Assistant (Tech Aid).

Students enrolled in and attending a board approved educational program who are employed as Radiologic Technologist Assistant (Tech Aid) outside of their defined program hours are not exempt from the requirements of licensure. Duties stated within the ASRT practice standards are not to be performed by students when employed as a Radiologic Technologist Assistant (Tech Aid).

Licensed Radiologic Technologist(s) permitting a Radiologic Technologist Assistant (Tech Aid) to perform duties stated within the ASRT practice standards will lead to disciplinary action against the Licensed Radiologic Technologist and the Technologist Assistant (Tech Aid).

Adopted 1995 // Revised 2012

Training & Assisting Non-Licensed Medical Personnel

The training and/ or assisting (aiding and abetting) of individuals who are not Licensed Radiologic Technologists or Licensed Physicians to perform the duties of a license holder is prohibited.

Licensed Radiologic Technologists training and/ or assisting (aiding and abetting) individuals to perform the duties of a license holder are in violation of LA R.S. 37:3219 (A)(4) and subject to disciplinary action. This is not applicable to Licensed Radiologic Technologists participating in the education of students enrolled in and attending a board approved educational program.

Adopted 1988 // Revised 2012

Maintaining Certification for Licenses After June 1, 2013

Beginning with new licenses and renewal applications on and after June 1, 2013, licensee shall maintain certification and document on-going compliance through the ARRT, NMTCB, or ASCP. Proof of certification is required for the original license and will be required for license renewal. The Board believes that on-going certification maintains high professional standards.

Adopted 4-18-2012