An act to add Section 114876 to the Health and Safety Code, relating to radiologist assistants.
Summary
AB 2256 would add a new section to the Health and Safety Code to define and regulate the use of the title “radiologist assistant” in California. The bill requires a person to meet specified education, examination, registration, and radiologic technology credentialing requirements before holding themselves out as a radiologist assistant. It also limits radiologist assistants to working only under the supervision of a radiologist and bars them from functioning independently in that role.
The bill further clarifies the scope of practice for radiologist assistants. They could assist with patient history, procedures, medical imaging tasks, and the communication and documentation of initial clinical and imaging observations, but only for the supervising radiologist’s use. They would not be allowed to interpret images, make diagnoses, or prescribe medications or therapies, though they could administer prescribed drugs when directed by a supervising radiologist or designee. The measure states that it is intended to operate through existing certification, registration, and enforcement systems rather than create a new licensing framework.
Impact
AB 2256 would create a statutory framework recognizing radiologist assistants while tying their practice to existing radiologic technology oversight. It would prohibit misuse of the title, establish minimum qualifications for practice, and authorize radiologists to delegate certain tasks based on the assistant’s competence. The bill also specifies that enforcement would use existing authority applicable to radiologic technologists, would not require additional staff or rulemaking, and would not make violations a misdemeanor, unlike some existing Radiologic Technology Act violations.
Sentiment
The available record suggests generally favorable treatment of the bill. The measure was reported out of committee on a 19-0 vote with a recommendation to the consent calendar, indicating broad support among voting members. The bill text also frames the proposal as a limited, administrative clarification that relies on existing regulatory mechanisms rather than expanding the state’s licensing bureaucracy, which likely contributed to its positive reception.
Contention
The main policy issue is the balance between expanding the recognized role of radiologist assistants and preserving physician oversight and patient safety. The bill is explicit that radiologist assistants may not interpret images, diagnose, or prescribe, and that they must remain under a supervising radiologist, which addresses concerns about scope creep. Another point of potential concern is enforcement and title protection: the bill creates a new prohibition on holding oneself out as a radiologist assistant without meeting the requirements, but it also softens penalties by stating that violations are not misdemeanors. No recorded committee transcript shows organized opposition, but these scope-of-practice and enforcement provisions are the most likely areas of debate.
Further providing for definitions, for respiratory therapists, for perfusionist, for genetic counselor and for prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists and orthotic fitters; providing for medical imaging professionals, radiation therapists, radiologist assistants and trainees; further providing for licenses and certificates and general qualification; repealing provisions relating to radiologic procedures and education and training required; and making a repeal.
An act to amend Sections 103825, 103835, 103840, 103845, 103850, 103855, 124977, 124991, and 125002 of, and to add Sections 103827 and 103832 to, the Health and Safety Code, relating to public health.