MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2005 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Human Services

By: Representative Holland

House Bill 689

(COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE)

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE RADIOLOGISTS TO USE THE SERVICES OF RADIOLOGIST ASSISTANTS TO PRACTICE RADIOLOGY ASSISTANCE UNDER THEIR SUPERVISION; TO DIRECT THE STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL LICENSURE TO DEFINE BY RULE THE SCOPE OF PRACTICE OF A RADIOLOGIST ASSISTANT AND THE EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS NECESSARY TO PRACTICE AS A RADIOLOGIST ASSISTANT; TO PROVIDE THAT RADIOLOGIST ASSISTANTS MAY NOT INTERPRET IMAGES, MAKE DIAGNOSES OR PRESCRIBE MEDICATIONS OR THERAPIES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  (1)  A radiologist may use the services of a radiologist assistant to practice radiology assistance under the supervision of the radiologist.

     (2)  The State Board of Medical Licensure shall define by rule the scope of practice of a radiologist assistant and the educational qualifications necessary to practice as a radiologist  assistant.  Those rules shall be consistent with guidelines adopted by the American College of Radiology, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

     (3)  A radiologist assistant must be a radiologic technologist registered under Sections 41-58-1 through 41-58-5 and must be certified and registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and credentialed to provide radiology services under the supervision of a radiologist.

     (4)  A radiologist assistant may not interpret images, make diagnoses or prescribe medications or therapies.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2005.