An act to add Section 114876 to the Health and Safety Code, relating to radiologist assistants.
Summary
AB 511 would add a new section to the Health and Safety Code establishing rules for the use of the title “radiologist assistant” in California. The bill would prohibit anyone from holding themselves out as a radiologist assistant unless they have passed an approved radiologist assistant examination, maintain current registration with the relevant national certifying body, and are certified or permitted to conduct radiologic technology in California or hold an equivalent out-of-state license. It also recognizes radiologist assistants as advanced-level radiographers who work as part of a radiologist-led team.
The bill would limit radiologist assistants to working only under the supervision of a radiologist and would bar them from functioning independently. It would expressly prohibit radiologist assistants from interpreting images, making diagnoses, or prescribing medications or therapies, while allowing them to administer prescribed drugs only as directed by a supervising radiologist or designee. The bill would also allow radiologist assistants to communicate and document initial clinical and imaging observations only to the radiologist for the radiologist’s use, and to relay a supervising radiologist’s report to another health care provider consistent with American College of Radiology guidance. A supervising radiologist could delegate tasks or services to a radiologist assistant based on the assistant’s competence.
In terms of state law, AB 511 would create a new statutory framework for radiologist assistants without changing the core supervision rules for radiologic technologists. It would clarify that the new section does not eliminate or affect existing duties or supervision requirements for radiologic technologists. The bill would also remove criminal misdemeanor liability for violations of the new radiologist assistant section, even though violations of the broader Radiologic Technology Act can be misdemeanors under existing law.
The general sentiment reflected in the available vote history appears supportive. The bill received a unanimous 17-0 “do pass” vote in committee and was recommended to the consent calendar, suggesting little opposition at that stage. No committee transcript objections are available, and the measure advanced without recorded dissent in the provided history.
The main policy issue is scope of practice and supervision. The bill draws a clear line between radiologist assistants and radiologists by limiting independent practice, diagnosis, image interpretation, and prescribing authority, while still allowing delegated technical and procedural work. Any contention would likely center on whether the bill appropriately balances patient safety, workforce flexibility, and professional recognition, but no specific opposition is shown in the provided materials.
Impact
AB 511 would add Section 114876 to the Health and Safety Code to define and regulate the title and practice conditions for radiologist assistants in California. It would establish qualification standards, supervision requirements, limits on clinical authority, and delegation rules for radiologists, while preserving existing radiologic technologist laws and supervision requirements. The bill would also change enforcement by specifying that violations of the new section are not misdemeanors.
Sentiment
The available legislative record suggests broad support and little controversy at the committee stage. The bill passed committee unanimously, 17-0, and was sent forward with a recommendation for the consent calendar. No committee testimony or recorded opposition is provided, so the overall tone appears favorable and procedural rather than contentious.
Contention
The central point of contention, if any, is the scope of practice for radiologist assistants. The bill permits delegated tasks and limited communication of observations, but it prohibits independent functioning, image interpretation, diagnosis, and prescribing. That balance reflects a compromise between expanding workforce roles and maintaining physician oversight. Another possible issue is the bill’s decision to remove misdemeanor penalties for violations of the new section, which could matter to regulators or professional groups concerned about enforcement strength.
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.
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.