§ 63-6-237 — Radiologist assistants

(a) In addition to the practice permitted by [former] § 63-6-902 [repealed], a radiologist may utilize the services of a radiologist assistant to practice radiology assistance under the supervision of such radiologist to the extent not prohibited by [former] § 63-6-902 [repealed]. (b) The board of medical examiners shall define the scope of practice of a radiologist assistant and the educational qualifications necessary to practice as a radiologist assistant by rules promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Such rules shall be consistent with guidelines adopted by the American College of Radiology, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). (c) A radiologist assistant must be a radiologic technologist certified by the board of medical examiners under [former] § 63-6-902 [repealed] and certified and registered with ARRT and credentialed to provide radiology services under the supervision of a radiologist. (d) A radiologist assistant may not interpret images, make diagnoses or prescribe medications or therapies. (e) On or after July 1, 2004, a radiology practitioner assistant shall only be known as a radiologist assistant. (f) On or after July 1, 2008, any person seeking to become a radiologist assistant in Tennessee must have completed an advanced academic program encompassing a nationally recognized radiologist assistant curriculum, as well as completed a radiologist directed clinical preceptorship, all culminating in a baccalaureate degree. (g) Any person who, on or before December 31, 2008, was practicing as a radiology practitioner assistant in Tennessee and who submits satisfactory proof of that practice to the board, along with an application and the certification fee on or before December 31, 2009, shall be entitled to be certified by the board as a radiologist assistant without having to meet the educational, certification, registration, credentialing or examination requirements of subsections (b) and (c) and rules promulgated pursuant to subsections (b) and (c).

Legislative History

Acts 2004, ch. 704, § 1; 2007 , ch. 393, § 1; 2008 , ch. 1003, §§ 1-3.