Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Senate this week passed Senate Bill 1334 by a bipartisan 45-5 vote, advancing legislation sponsored by Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) and Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-Columbia, Luzerne, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder) to establish licensing standards for medical imaging professionals and radiation therapists.
The legislation, known as the Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Health and Safety Act, would create a statewide licensing program under the State Board of Medicine for professionals who perform medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures. Pennsylvania is one of only a handful of states that does not currently require these healthcare professionals to be licensed.
“Patients should have confidence that the professionals performing their medical imaging have met education, training, and competency standards,” Senator Pisciottano said. ” As the medical imaging technology used to diagnose and treat patients becomes more advanced, it is important that the standards governing the professionals who operate that equipment evolve as well. This legislation strengthens patient safety and recognizes the professionalism and expertise of the healthcare workers who provide these services every day.”
Senator Culver emphasized that the legislation establishes consistent statewide standards without creating unnecessary barriers for qualified professionals.
“This bill does not create an additional exam, require additional schooling or place unnecessary new hurdles in front of qualified professionals,” Senator Culver said. “It creates a uniform and enforceable standard that protects patients, provides clarity for employers and supports the professionals already doing this important work.”
Senate Bill 1334 would establish licensure requirements for professionals in radiography (X-ray), nuclear medicine, diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), radiation therapy, and radiologist assistants. The bill also establishes each profession’s scope of practice, sets education and examination requirements, and creates standards for license renewal.
The Senators pointed out that the legislation would not affect physicians, osteopathic physicians, dentists, chiropractors, podiatrists, veterinarians, or other healthcare professionals who perform imaging within their existing licensed scope of practice.
Senate Bill 1334 now advances to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for consideration.