The governors of Tennessee and New Hampshire have signed into law measures that establish licensure standards for radiologic technologists in their states, reports ASRT.

Only five states and the District of Columbia remain that do not require licensure or regulatory requirements for medical imaging and radiation therapy personnel.

In Tennessee, the General Assembly adopted Senate Bill 899, which authorizes a new Tennessee Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board of Examiners to establish licensure requirements for all individuals performing medical imaging or radiation therapy procedures using ionizing radiation or magnetic resonance in hospitals, outpatient diagnostic centers, recuperation centers and physicians' offices. Previously, only personnel performing radiographic procedures in physicians' offices were required to hold a license.

“Ultimately, this is about patient safety,” said American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) CEO Sal Martino, EdD, RT (R), FASRT, CAE. “Those who will undergo medical imaging or radiation therapy procedures in Tennessee should now feel assured that they will be cared for by educationally prepared, clinically competent and licensed radiologic technologists.”

The General Court of New Hampshire passed Senate Bill 330, a law that establishes licensure standards for radiographers, radiation therapists, nuclear medicine technologists, magnetic resonance technologists, radiologist assistants, limited X-ray machine operators and sonographers.

“Enactment of S.B. 330 is a huge step toward making sure that patient care is provided as safely and effectively as possible by highly qualified medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals,” said Martino.

Guided by the ASRT, the legislation in both states authorizes the establishment of administrative boards to organize and manage the new licensure and certification requirements.