CR 17-082 Rule Text

Related statute or rule:

Chapters RAD 1 to 3, 5, and 6.

Plain language analysis:

Current rules define the scope of practice for radiographers and limited X-ray machine operators by reference to the standards set by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) in 2010. ASRT periodically updates its standards, most recently in 2016. To provide up-to-date scope of practice standards as well as increased clarity and convenience, the rules reproduce the 2016 ASRT standards in full in ss. RAD 4.01 and 4.02 and make other changes to conform with current administrative rule drafting standards.

Summary of, and comparison with, existing or proposed federal regulation:

None.

Comparison with rules in adjacent states:

Illinois:

32 Ill. Admin. Code 401, which provides for accreditation in the practice of medical radiation technology in Illinois, does not explicitly define scope of practice. However, scope of practice is addressed in definitions of the categories of accreditation in the practice of medical radiation technology and the techniques of applying radiation (32 Ill. Admin. Code 401.20). These definitions do not reference the American Society of Radiologic Technologist standards.

Iowa:

645 IAC 42, which provides for permits to operate ionizing radiation producing machines or administer radioactive materials in Iowa, does not explicitly define scope of practice. However, scope of practice is addressed in definitions of the categories of permits to practice and the techniques of using ionizing radiation producing machines and administering radioactive materials (645 IAC 42.2). In addition, the rules provide the scope within which a limited radiologic technologist with categories of chest, spine, extremities, shoulder, and pediatric shall perform radiography (645 IAC 42.2).The rules do not reference the American Society of Radiologic Technologist standards.

Michigan:

The State of Michigan does not license operators of x-ray machines, nor does it have any requirements relative to the licensure or credentialing of x-ray machine operators except for operators of mammography machines (Mich Admin Code, R 333.5630) and CT machines (Mich Admin Code, R 325.5705). These rules do not define or otherwise address scope of practice.

Minnesota:

Minn. Stat. 144.121, Subds. 5a. and 5b., provide the scope of practice of a limited x-ray machine operator (LXMO) and a means of granting a variance to a facility for the scope of practice of an LXMO. The statutes do not reference the American Society of Radiologic Technologist standards.

Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies:

This rule updates the applicable scope of practice standards to reference the current 2016 American Society of Radiologic Technologists standards. No additional factual data or analytical methodologies were used to develop the rules.

Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business or in preparation of economic impact analysis:

The rules were posted for a period of 14 days to solicit public comment on the economic impact of the rule, including how the rule may affect businesses, local government units, and individuals. No comments were received.

Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis:

The Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis document is attached.

Effect on small business:

These rules do not have an economic impact on small businesses, as defined in s. 227.114 (1), Stats. The Department’s Regulatory Review Coordinator may be contacted by email at [e-mail], or by calling [phone].

Agency contact person:

Dale Kleven, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, 1400 East Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 8366, Madison, Wisconsin 53708; telephone [phone]; email at [e-mail].

Place where comments are to be submitted and deadline for submission:

Comments may be submitted to Dale Kleven, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, 1400 East Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 8366, Madison, WI 53708-8935, or by email to [e-mail]. Comments must be received at or before the public hearing to be held at 9:00 a.m. on December 13, 2017, to be included in the record of rule-making proceedings.

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TEXT OF RULE

Section 1.   RAD 4.01 (1) (title) is created to read:

  RAD 4.01 (1) (title) General scope of practice.

Section 2.   RAD 4.01 (2) is renumbered RAD 4.01 (2) (intro.) and amended to read:

  RAD 4.01 (2) (intro.) Applicable Standards standards. The scope of practice of a licensed radiographer is includes all of the following, as defined in the Radiography Standards, Practice Standards for Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, 2010 2016 American Society of Radiologic Technologists.:

Section 3.   RAD 4.01 (2) (a) to (s) and (Note) are created to read:

  RAD 4.01 (2) (a) Providing optimal patient care.

  (b) Receiving, relaying, and documenting verbal, written, and electronic orders in the patient’s medical record.

  (c) Corroborating a patient's clinical history with procedure and ensuring information is documented and available for use by a licensed independent practitioner.

  (d) Verifying informed consent for applicable procedures.

  (e) Assuming responsibility for patient needs during procedures.

  (f) Preparing patients for procedures.

  (g) Applying principles of ALARA, or As Low As Reasonably Achievable, to minimize exposure to patient, self, and others.

  (h) Performing venipuncture as prescribed by a licensed independent practitioner.

  (i) Starting, maintaining, and removing intravenous access as prescribed by a licensed independent practitioner.

  (j) Identifying, preparing, and administering medications as prescribed by a licensed independent practitioner.

  (k) Evaluating images for technical quality, ensuring proper identification is recorded.

  (L) Identifying and responding to emergency situations.

  (m) Providing education.

  (n) Educating and monitoring students and other health care providers.

  (o) Performing ongoing quality assurance activities.

  (p) Applying the principles of patient safety during all aspects of patient care.

  (q) Performing diagnostic radiographic and noninterpretive fluoroscopic procedures as prescribed by a licensed independent practitioner.

  (r) Determining technical exposure factors.

  (s) Assisting a licensed independent practitioner with fluoroscopic and specialized radiologic procedures.