§30-23-16. Scope of practice for Nuclear Medicine Technologist.

The scope of practice for Nuclear Medicine Technology includes the following:

(1) The practice of diagnostic in-vivo procedures and in-vitro procedures which include:

(A) Analysis and correlation of procedure request and clinical information provided by the referring physician or patient, or both, for determination of appropriate exam, extent, and scope;

(B) Evaluation of the physical and emotional status of the patient with respect to the ability to undergo the procedure requested;

(C) Immediate predose review of patient's identification, prescribed dose quantity and route of administration, and identification of the test agent designed to prevent dose mis-administration;

(D) Preparation of the appropriate radiopharmaceutical with measurement of dose activity;

(E) Administration of appropriate diagnostic dose levels of radiopharmaceuticals;

(F) Administration of nonradioactive pharmaceuticals utilized in conjunction with a nuclear medicine imaging or in-vivo procedure, for example, cholecystokinin, furosemide, vitamin B12, in accordance with hospital or facility procedures, excluding narcotic and sedating medication;

(G) Selection of appropriate imaging or test parameters, or both;

(H) Obtaining images according to established protocols and any special views to optimize information as appropriate;

(I) Placement of patient in proper position using supportive materials and immobilizer as necessary;

(J) Assuring appropriate image labeling as to patient;

(K) Monitoring of patient and equipment during procedure for determination and application of any corrective actions necessary;

(L) Monitoring of data collection and processing and performance of technical analysis of test results;

(M) Preparation and performance of laboratory in-vivo nuclear medicine procedures, inclusive of the selection and operation of laboratory counting equipment, performance of calculations and data processing necessary for completion of lab procedures and the submission of results to the physician or licensee;

(N) Oversight and application of image development; and

(O) Performance of in-vitro testing of serum, plasma, or other body fluids using radio immunoassay, or similar ligand assay methods.

(2) The practice for handling radiopharmaceuticals which includes:

(A) Preparation, by means of tagging, compounding, etc., in accordance with manufacturer's specifications;

(B) Measurement and calculation of activity of radionuclides with a dose calibrator;

(C) Application of radioactive decay calculations to determine required volume or unit form necessary to deliver the prescribed radioactive dose; and

(D) Recording of radiopharmaceutical information on a patient's permanent record.

(3) The practice for radionuclide therapy which includes:

(A) Assisting licensee in the preparation and applications of therapeutic radionuclides;

(B) Oversight of radiation safety practices related to the handling and administration of radiopharmaceuticals for therapy of patients;

(C) Maintenance of records of radioactive material receipt, use, storage, and disposal in accordance with regulatory requirements;

(D) Oversight and enforcement of radiation safety policies, practices, and regulations regarding the possession and use of radioactive materials;

(E) Performance of radiation safety procedures such as radiation survey and wipe testing of incoming radioactive shipments and facility fixtures;

(F) Maintaining values congruent with the profession's code of ethics and scope of practice as well as adhering to national, institutional and/or departmental standards, policies and procedures regarding delivery of services and patient care; and

(G) Performing any other duties that the board determines may be performed by a Nuclear Medicine Technologist.

(4) The scope of practice for a Nuclear Medicine Technologist or certified PET Technologist to operate a multimodality device, i.e. PET/CT, SPECT/CT etc, requires that:

(A) A Nuclear Medicine Technologist, (ARRT(N) or NMTCB) or certified PET Technologist may administer radiopharmaceuticals and/or ionizing radiation from an integrated multimodality device, if the ionizing radiation is produced for the sole purpose of attenuation correction and considered an essential component of the procedure, provided the licensee has obtained proper documented training that has been approved by the board in the radiation safety aspect of the operation of these units; and

(B) A licensed radiographer, (ARRT(R)), or Nuclear Medicine Technologist with an additional certification by the ARRT or other nationally recognized certifying body in computed tomography, shall operate the computed tomography scanner if it is used for any other diagnostic radiographic procedures.