37-14-313. Radiologist assistant -- scope of practice -- board approval. - Montana Statutes

     37-14-313. Radiologist assistant -- scope of practice -- board approval. (1) A person licensed under this chapter who has completed an advanced academic program encompassing a nationally recognized radiologist assistant curriculum or certification and who has a radiologist-directed clinical preceptorship certificate may practice as a radiologist assistant upon approval by the board. Board action upon a request for approval must be taken, with or without prior rulemaking, after a written request for approval is received by the board.
     (2) (a) The specific duties allowed for a radiologist assistant may be defined by the board by rule. The rules must be consistent with guidelines adopted by the American college of radiology, the American society of radiologic technologists, the American registry of radiologic technologists, the certifying board of radiology practitioner assistants, and subsection (2)(b). The board shall adopt rules governing the scope of practice for radiologist assistants in order to resolve any conflicts in that subject between the guidelines of the associations named in this subsection.
     (b) The rules must specify the functions that a radiologist assistant may perform in connection with diagnostic procedures under the supervision of a radiologist, including radiology procedures, invasive procedures, procedures as delegated by a radiologist, and the types of injection of contrast media and radioactive isotopes (radionuclide) material allowed.
     (c) The rules may specify levels of supervision based on education and experience, but at a minimum, the level of supervision must be general supervision.
     (d) A radiologist assistant may not interpret images, make diagnoses, or prescribe medications or therapies.
     (3) A radiologist assistant may also be referred to as a "radiology practitioner assistant".

     History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 307, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 491, L. 2005.