ARTICLE 23. RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS.

§30-23-1. License required to practice.

The Legislature finds that in the interest of public health that:

(1) The people of this state should be protected from excessive and improper exposure to ionizing radiation, radioactive isotopes, radio waves, and magnetic fields energy; and

(2) A person performing medical imaging or radiation therapy technology in this state shall be licensed.

Therefore, it is the purpose of this article to regulate the practice of medical imaging or radiation therapy in this state by requiring that a person have a license, apprentice license or permit when practicing medical imaging or radiation therapy technology.

§30-23-2. Unlawful acts.

(a) It is unlawful for any person to practice or offer to practice medical imaging or radiation therapy technology in this state without a license, apprentice license or permit issued under the provisions of this article, or advertise or use any title or description tending to convey the impression that the person is a licensed Medical Imaging Technologist or Radiation Therapy Technologist, unless such person has been duly licensed under the provisions of this article, and such license, apprentice license or permit has not expired, been suspended or revoked.

(b) Without a licensee, it is unlawful for any business entity to render any service or engage in any activity which if rendered or engaged in by an individual, would constitute the practice of medical imaging or radiation therapy technology.

§30-23-3. Applicable law.

The practice of medical imaging or radiation therapy technology and the Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board of Examiners are subject to the provisions of article one of this chapter and the provisions of this article and any rules promulgated thereunder.

§30-23-4. Definitions.

As used in this article, the following words and terms have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "ASPMA" means the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants.

(b) "ARMRIT" means the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists.

(c) "ARRT" means the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist.

(d) "Board" means the West Virginia Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board of Examiners.

(e) "Business entity" means any firm, partnership, association, company, corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity providing medical imaging or radiation therapy technology.

(f) "Dental X-rays" means X-rays taken of the oral cavity with x-ray units designed for this specific performance.

(g) "JRCERT" means the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

(h) "JRCNMT" means the Joint Review Committee on Education Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology.

(i) "License" means a medical imaging and radiation therapy technology license issued under the provisions of this article.

(j) "Licensed practitioner" means a person licensed in West Virginia to practice medicine, chiropractic, podiatry, osteopathy or dentistry.

(k) "Licensee" means a person holding a license issued under the provisions of this article.

(l) "Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI" means the performance of medical imaging using radio waves, magnetic fields and a computer to produce images of the body tissues.

(m) "Medical Imaging" means the use of ionizing radiation, electromagnetic radiation, or radioactivity for evaluation of body tissue in order to diagnose injury and disease by means of image production.

(n) "NMTCB" means the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board.

(o) "Nuclear Medicine Technologist" means a person holding a nuclear medicine license issued under the provisions of this article.

(p) "Nuclear Medicine Technology" means the compounding, calibrating, dispensing and administrating of radio-pharmaceuticals, pharmaceuticals and radio-nuclides under the direction of an individual listed as an authorized user by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the production of images for diagnosis and/or treatment of various disorders.

(q) "Permittee" means any person holding a podiatric medical assistant permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this article.

(r) "PET/CT Technologist" means an individual recognized by the board as qualified to operate a PET/CT scanner.

(s) "PET/CT Technology" means the operation of a Positron Emission Tomography/Computerized Tomography scanner to view internal images of the body.

(t) "Podiatric medical assistant" means a person who has been issued a permit under the provisions of this article, to perform podiatric radiographs.

(u) "Podiatric radiographs" means radiographs confined to the foot and ankle performed on dedicated podiatric X-ray equipment.

(v) "Practice of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology" means the practice of Radiologic Technology, Radiation Therapy, Nuclear Medicine Technology and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology.

(w) "Radiologic technologist" means a person, other than a licensed practitioner, who applies medical imaging or assists in the application of ionizing radiation to human beings for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes as prescribed by a licensed practitioner.

(x) "Radiologic technology" means the application of ionizing radiation or assisting in the application of medical imaging to human beings for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes as prescribed by a licensed practitioner.

(y) "Radiologist" means a licensed practitioner who has successfully completed a residency in the field of Radiology and specializes in the use of medical imaging for the diagnosis or treatment of disease.

(z) "Radiologist Assistant or RA" means an individual who is licensed under the rules of the West Virginia Board of Medicine and has completed specialized training from an accredited program in the profession and passed a written examination as recognized by the West Virginia Board of Medicine.

(aa) "Radiology resident" means a licensed practitioner who is in training to become a Radiologist and who uses medical imaging in the diagnosis or treatment of disease, under the supervision of a Radiologist.

(bb) "Supervision" means responsibility for and control of quality, safety and technical aspects in the application of medical imaging technology on human beings for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

(cc) "Technology" means Medical Imaging Technology or Radiation Therapy Technology.

§30-23-5. Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board of Examiners.

(a) The West Virginia Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board of Examiners is continued. The members of the board in office, unless sooner removed, continue to serve until their respective terms expire and until their successors have been appointed and qualified.

(b) The board shall consist of the following nine members, appointed by the Governor by and with the advice and consent of the Senate:

(1) Three licensed practitioners, two of whom shall be Radiologists;

(2) Three licensed Radiologic Technologists, one of whom shall be an active medical imaging educator;

(3) One licensed Nuclear Medicine Technologist;

(4) One licensed Magnetic Resonance Imaging; and

(5) One citizen member, who is not licensed under the provisions of this article and does not perform any services related to the practice licensed under the provisions of this article.

(c) Each member shall be appointed for a term of three years and may not serve more than two consecutive full terms. A member having served two consecutive full terms may not be appointed for one year after completion of his or her second full term. A member continues to serve until a successor has been appointed and has qualified. The terms shall be staggered in accordance with the initial appointments under prior enactments of this article.

(d) Each member of the board shall be a resident of West Virginia during the appointment term.

(e) The Radiologic Technologists, Nuclear Medicine Technologists and the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists serving on the board shall maintain an active license with the board.

(f) A vacancy on the board shall be filled by appointment by the Governor for the unexpired term of the member whose office is vacant.

(g) The Governor may remove any member from the board for neglect of duty, incompetency or official misconduct.

(h) A licensed member of the board immediately and automatically forfeits membership to the board if his or her license to practice has been suspended or revoked. A member of the board immediately and automatically forfeits membership to the board if he or she is convicted of a felony under the laws of any state or the United States, or becomes a nonresident of this state.

(i) The board shall designate one of its members as chairperson and one member as secretary who shall serve at the will of the board.

(j) Each member of the board shall receive compensation and expense reimbursement in accordance with article one of this chapter.

(k) A majority of the members serving on the board shall constitute a quorum.

(l) The board shall hold at least two annual meetings. Other meetings shall be held at the call of the chairperson or upon the written request of two members, at such time and place as designated in the call or request.

(m) Prior to commencing his or her duties as a member of the board, each member shall take and subscribe to the oath required by section five, article four of the Constitution of this state.

§30-23-6. Powers and duties of the board.

(a) The board has all the powers and duties set forth in this article, by rule, in article one of this chapter, and elsewhere in law.

(b) The board shall:

(1) Hold meetings, conduct hearings and administer examinations;

(2) Establish requirements for a license, apprentice license and permit;

(3) Establish procedures for submitting, approving and rejecting applications for a license, apprentice license and permit;

(4) Determine the qualifications of any applicant for a license, permit, certificate and registration;

(5) Provide standards for approved schools of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology, procedures for obtaining and maintaining approval, and procedures of revocation of approval where standards are not maintained: Provided, That the standards for approved schools meet at least the minimal requirements of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist JRCERT, JRCNMT or standards determined programmatically equivalent by the board;

(6) Work with the West Virginia Board of Medicine to determine the scope of practice, the required education and training, and the type of regulations necessary for Radiologist Assistants;

(7) Prepare, conduct, administer and grade written, oral or written and oral examinations for a license, certificate and registration;

(8) Determine the passing grade for the examinations;

(9) Maintain records of the examinations the board or a third party administers, including the number of persons taking the examination and the pass and fail rate;

(10) Maintain an office, and hire, discharge, establish the job requirements and fix the compensation of employees and contract with persons necessary to enforce the provisions of this article;

(11) Investigate alleged violations of the provisions of this article, legislative rules, orders and final decisions of the board;

(12) Conduct disciplinary hearings of persons regulated by the board;

(13) Determine disciplinary action and issue orders;

(14) Institute appropriate legal action for the enforcement of the provisions of this article;

(15) Maintain an accurate registry of names and addresses of all persons regulated by the board;

(16) Keep accurate and complete records of its proceedings, and certify the same as may be necessary and appropriate;

(17) Establish, by legislative rule, the continuing education requirements for licensees, permittees, certificate holders and registrants; and

(18) Propose rules in accordance with the provisions of article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code to implement the provisions of this article.

(c) The board may:

(1) Contract with third parties to administer the examinations required under the provisions of this article;

(2) Define, by legislative rule, the fees charged under the provisions of this article;

(3) Issue, renew, deny, suspend, revoke or reinstate a license, permit, certificate and registration;

(4) Sue and be sued in its official name as an agency of this state;

(5) Confer with the Attorney General or his or her assistant in connection with legal matters and questions; and

(6) Take all other actions necessary and proper to effectuate the purposes of this article.

§30-23-6a.

Repealed.

Acts, 2007 Reg. Sess., Ch. 206.

§30-23-6b.

Repealed.

Acts, 2007 Reg. Sess., Ch. 206.

§30-23-7. Rule making.

(a) The board shall propose rules for legislative approval, in accordance with the provisions of article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, to implement the provisions of this article, including:

(1) Standards and requirements for licensure, apprentice licensure and permits to practice medical imaging or radiation therapy technology;

(2) Procedures for examinations and reexaminations;

(3) Requirements for third parties to prepare and/or administer examinations and reexaminations;

(4) Educational and experience requirements, and the passing grade on the examination;

(5) Standards for approval of courses;

(6) Procedures for the issuance and renewal of a license, apprentice license and permit;

(7) A fee schedule;

(8) Continuing education requirements for licensees;

(9) The procedures for denying, suspending, revoking, reinstating or limiting the practice of a licensee or permittee;

(10) Requirements for inactive or revoked licenses, apprentice licenses and permits; and

(11) Any other rules necessary to effectuate the provisions of this article.

(b) All rules in effect on the effective date of this article shall remain in effect until they are amended or repealed, and references to provisions of former enactments of this act are interpreted to mean provisions of this article.

§30-23-8. Fees; special revenue account; administrative fines.

(a) All fees and other moneys, except administrative fines, received by the board shall be deposited in a separate special revenue fund in the state Treasury designated the "Board of Examiners of Medical Imaging Technology Fund", which fund is hereby continued. The fund shall be used by the board for the administration of this article. Except as may be provided in article one of this chapter, the board shall retain the amounts in the special revenue account from year to year. No compensation or expense incurred under this article is a charge against the General Revenue Fund.

(b) Any amounts received as fines imposed pursuant to this article shall be deposited into the General Revenue Fund of the state Treasury.

§30-23-9. Requirements for Radiologic Technology license.

(a) To be eligible for a license to practice Radiologic Technology, the applicant must:

(1) Be of good moral character;

(2) Have a high school diploma or its equivalent;

(3) Have successfully completed an accredited program in Radiologic technology, as determined by an accreditation body recognized by the board, from a school of Radiologic Technology that has been approved by the board;

(4) Have passed the examination prescribed by the board, which examination shall cover the basic subject matter of Radiologic Technology, skills and techniques; and

(5) Not have been convicted of a felony under the laws of any state or the United States within five years preceding the date of application for licensure, which conviction remains unreversed; and

(6) Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony under the laws of any state or the United States at any time if the offense for which the applicant was convicted related to the practice of Medical Imaging, which conviction remains unreversed.

(b) A person seeking a Radiologic Technology license shall submit an application on a form prescribed by the board and pay the license fee, which fee shall be returned to the applicant if the license application is denied.

(c) A Radiologic Technology license issued by the board prior to July 1, 2009, shall for all purposes be considered a license issued under this article.

§30-23-10. Scope of Practice for a Radiologic Technologist.

The scope of practice of a Radiologic Technologist includes the following:

(1) Analysis and correlation of procedure requests and clinical information provided by a physician or patient, or both, for preprocedure determination of the appropriate exam, its extent, and its scope;

(2) Evaluation of the physical, mental and emotional status of the patient with respect to the ability to understand the risk versus benefit of the procedure and to undergo the procedure requested;

(3) Selection, preparation, and operation of medical imaging equipment and accessories to perform procedures;

(4) Positioning patient to best demonstrate anatomy of interest, while respecting patient's physical limitations and comfort;

(5) Determination of imaging exposure factors, setting of factors on control panel, and application of medical imaging exposures;

(6) Application of radiation protection principles to minimize radiation exposure to patient, self, and others;

(7) Evaluation of images for technical quality;

(8) Performance of noninterpretive fluoroscopic procedures according to institutional policy;

(9) Oversight of image processing standards and the appropriate labeling of images;

(10) Administering contrast media after consultation with, and under the supervision of, a physician who is immediately and physically available;

(11) 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

(12) Performing any other duties that the board authorizes for a Radiologic Technologist.

§30-23-11. Scope of Practice for a Radiation Therapist.

The scope of practice for a Radiation Therapist includes the following:

(1) Providing Radiation Therapy services by contributing as an essential member of the radiation oncology treatment team through provision of total quality care of each patient undergoing a prescribed course of treatment;

(2) Evaluating and assessing treatment delivery components;

(3) Providing Radiation Therapy treatment delivery services to cure or improve the quality of life of patients by accurately delivering a prescribed course of treatment;

(4) Evaluating and assessing daily, the physical and emotional status of each patient to treatment delivery;

(5) 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 treatment delivery and patient care; and

(6) Performing any other duties that the board authorizes for a Radiation Therapist.

§30-23-12. Exemptions from Radiologic Technology license.

The following persons are not required to obtain a Radiologic Technology license in accordance with the provisions of this article:

(1) A Medical Imaging Technology student enrolled in and attending an approved school of Medical Imaging Technology who as part of his or her course of study applies medical imaging technology to a human being under the supervision of a licensed Medical Imaging Technologist;

(2) A person acting as a dental assistant or dental hygienist who under the supervision of a licensed dentist operates only radiographic dental equipment for the sole purpose of dental radiography of the oral cavity;

(3) A person engaged in performing the duties of a Medical Imaging Technologist in the person's employment by an agency, bureau or division of the government of the United States;

(4) A licensed practitioner, Radiologist or Radiology resident;

(5) A person licensed as a Radiologist Assistant under the West Virginia Board of Medicine; and

(6) A person who demonstrated to the board, prior to July 1, 1999, that he or she:

(A) Had engaged in the practice of Radiologic Technology for the limited purpose of performing bone densitometry in this state for five or more years;

(B) Practiced under the supervision of a licensed practitioner; and

(C) Received a densitometry technologist degree certified by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry.

§30-23-13. Requirements for temporary Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology license.

(a) The board may issue a temporary Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology license to engage in the practice of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology in this state to an applicant who meets the qualifications for a Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology license, but has not passed the examination.

(b) Temporary licenses expire as provided by rule.

§30-23-14. Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology license from another state; license to practice in this state.

The board may issue a license to practice Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology in this state, without requiring an examination, to an applicant from another jurisdiction who:

(1) Is not a resident of this state;

(2) Is of good moral character:

(3) Holds a valid Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology license, certificate or other authorization, including the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board or equivalent to practice Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology in another jurisdiction and meets requirements which are substantially equivalent to the Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology licensure requirements set forth in this article;

(4) Is not currently being investigated by a disciplinary authority of this state or another jurisdiction, does not have charges pending against his or her license or other authorization to practice Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology, and has never had a license or other authorization to practice Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology revoked;

(5) Has not previously failed an examination for licensure in this state;

(6) Has paid all the applicable fees; and

(7) Has completed other action as required by the board.

§30-23-15. Requirements for Nuclear Medicine Technologist license

(a) To be eligible for a license to practice Nuclear Medicine Technology, the applicant must:

(1) Be of good moral character;

(2) Have a high school diploma or its equivalent;

(3) Not have been convicted of a felony under the laws of any state or the United States within five years preceding the date of application for licensure, which conviction remains unreversed;

(4) Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony under the laws of any state or the United States at any time if the offense for which the applicant was convicted related to the practice of Medical Imaging, which conviction remains unreversed.

(5) Meet one of the following qualifications:

(A) Have a baccalaureate or associate degree in one of the physical or biological sciences pertaining to the Medical Imaging or Radiation Therapy profession;

(B) Have a baccalaureate or associate degree in other disciplines of Medical Imaging with successful completion of courses in the following areas: college algebra, physics or chemistry, human anatomy, physiology, and radiation safety;

(C) National certification as a certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT);

(D) National certification as a Registered Radiographer (ARRT (R));

(E) National certification as a Registered Radiographer specializing in Nuclear Medicine (ARRT (N)); or

(F) National certification as a Radiation Therapist (ARRT (T)); and

(6) Pass an examination which has been approved by the board, with a minimum passing score of seventy-five percent, which examination shall cover the basic subject matter of medical imaging, radiation safety, skills and techniques as it pertains to Nuclear Medicine.

(b) A person seeking a Nuclear Medicine Technology license shall submit an application on a form prescribed by the board and pay the license fee, which fee shall be returned to the applicant if the license application is denied.

(c) A Nuclear Medicine Technology license issued by the board prior to July 1, 2007, shall for all purposes be considered a license issued under this article: Provided, That a person holding a Nuclear Medicine Technology license issued prior to July 1, 2007, must renew the license pursuant to the provisions of this article.

§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.

§30-23-17. Requirements for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist license.

(a) To be eligible for a license to practice Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology, the applicant must:

(1) Be of good moral character;

(2) Have a high school diploma or its equivalent;

(3) Not have been convicted of a felony under the laws of any state or the United States within five years preceding the date of application for licensure, which conviction remains unreversed;

(4) Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony under the laws of any state or the United States at any time if the offense for which the applicant was convicted related to the practice of Medical Imaging, which conviction remains unreversed.

(5) Meet one of the following qualifications:

(A) Have a baccalaureate or associate degree in one of the physical or biological sciences pertaining to the Medical Imaging or Radiation Therapy profession;

(B) Have a baccalaureate or associate degree in other disciplines of Medical Imaging with successful completion of courses in the following areas: college algebra, physics or chemistry, human anatomy, physiology, and radiation safety;

(C) National certification as a certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT);

(D) National certification as a Registered Radiographer (ARRT (R));

(E) National certification as a Registered Radiographer specializing in Nuclear Medicine (ARRT (N));

(F) National certification as a Radiation Therapist (ARRT(T); or

(G) National certification as an MRI technologist (ARRT (MR) or ARMRIT); and

(6) Pass an examination which has been approved by the board, with a minimum passing score of seventy-five percent, which examination shall cover the basic subject matter of Medical Imaging, radiation safety, skills and techniques as it pertains to Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

(b) A person seeking a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology license shall submit an application on a form prescribed by the board and pay the license fee, which fee shall be returned to the applicant if the license application is denied.

(c) A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology license issued by the board prior to July 1, 2007, shall for all purposes be considered a license issued under this article: Provided, That a person holding a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology license issued prior to July 1, 2007, must renew the license pursuant to the provisions of this article.

§30-23-18. Scope of Practice for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist.

The scope of practice for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology includes the following:

(1) Make arrangements with other departments for ancillary patient services (e.g. transportation, anesthesia);

(2) Orient patient and family to requirements necessary for the exam and instruct patient regarding preparation prior to imaging procedures;

(3) Assist with scheduling patients and coordinating exams to assure smooth work flow and review patient's chart to verify physician's orders;

(4) Assist patient on and off the scanning table and maintain communication and provide reassurance to patient throughout scanning procedure;

(5) Obtain patient's medical history prior to scan and observe patient's vital signs, O2 saturation, patient's level of consciousness during scanning procedure, and observe patient's physical status prior to discharge from the scanning procedure;

(6) Maintain controlled access to restricted area of strong magnetic field to ensure safety of patients, visitors, and hospital personnel and screen patient for ferrous and RF-sensitive material prior to entrance into magnetic field;

(7) Evacuate patient in emergency situation (e.g., quench, code, metallic object);

(8) Provide hearing protection to patient and others;

(9) Inspect equipment to make sure it is operable and safe (e.g., coils, cables, door seals), perform document and interpret the results of daily QC tests (center frequency, signal to noise, image quality and artifacts);

(10) Monitor specific absorption rate (SAR) and cryogen levels;

(11) Position patient according to type of study indicated and enter patient's data needed to initiate scan;

(12) Explain the risks of contrast media injections, obtain signed consent form, determine appropriate dose required, program or activate the power injector and administer the contrast media;

(13) Select all parameters needed to obtain a highly diagnostic image;

(14) Archive images to or retrieve images from data storage devices;

(15) Evaluate quality of filmed images and reformat images;

(16) Perform automatic or manual frequency tuning;

(17) Differentiate between normal and abnormal images to assess completion of procedure;

(18) Monitor image production and discriminate between technically acceptable and unacceptable images;

(19) 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

(20) Perform any other duties that the board authorizes.

§30-23-19. Requirements for an apprentice license for Nuclear Medicine Technologists and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists.

(a) The board may issue an apprentice license to an individual who is practicing as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist or a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist prior to July 1, 2007 but has not obtained certification in the discipline. A notarized letter, signed by the individual's supervising licensed physician, must be submitted with the individual's application, stating that the individual has performed the duties of a Nuclear Medicine Technologist or Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist prior to July 1, 2007.

(b) The apprentice license is valid for one year. An apprentice license may be renewed annually for an additional four years, giving the individual a total of five years to complete the requirements and successfully pass the certification examination for a Nuclear Medicine Technologist license or a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist license. All individuals possessing an apprentice license must work under the supervision of a licensed practitioner for MRI, an authorized user for nuclear medicine or a technologist who is licensed in that discipline.

(c) Any individual possessing a valid Medical Imaging license issued by the board and seeks to cross-train in the discipline of Nuclear Medicine Technology or Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology, may obtain an apprentice license in that discipline for the purpose of obtaining the necessary clinical experience requirements in order to qualify to sit for the required examination. This apprentice license will be valid for one year and renewable for four years, giving a cross-trained individual five years to obtain certification in the discipline.

§30-23-20. Requirements for Podiatric Medical Assistant permit.

(a) To be eligible for a Podiatric Medical Assistant permit to perform podiatric radiographs, the applicant must:

(1) Be of good moral character;

(2) Have a high school diploma or its equivalent;

(3) Pass a written examination for certification from the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants (ASPMA);

(4) Maintain an active certification in the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants (ASPMA) and meet all requirements of that organization including the continuing education requirements;

(5) Not have been convicted of a felony under the laws of any state or the United States within five years preceding the date of application for licensure, which conviction remains unreversed; and

(6) Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony under the laws of any state or the United States at any time if the offense for which the applicant was convicted related to the practice of Radiologic Technology, which conviction remains unreversed.

(b) A person seeking a Podiatric Medical Assistant permit shall submit an application on a form prescribed by the board and pay the permit fee, which fee shall be returned to the applicant if the permit application is denied.

Upon application for renewal, the permittee shall submit documentation of an active certification in ASPMA and payment of a renewal fee.

(c) A Podiatric Medical Assistant permit issued by the board prior to July 1, 2007, shall for all purposes be considered a permit issued under this article: Provided, That a person holding a Podiatric Medical Assistant permit issued prior to July 1, 2007, must renew the permit pursuant to the provisions of this article.

§30-23-21. Scope of practice for Podiatric Medical Assistants.

The scope of practice for a Podiatric Medical Assistant includes the following:

(a) The use of equipment specifically designed for the performance of foot or ankle podiatric radiographs, as approved by the board; and

(b) Performed under the supervision of a licensed Podiatrist.

§30-23-22. License and permit renewal requirements.

(a) A licensee and permittee shall annually renew his or her license or permit by completing a form prescribed by the board, paying a renewal fee, and submitting any other information required by the board.

(b) The board shall charge a fee for each renewal of a license or permit and a late fee for any renewal not paid in a timely manner.

(c) The board shall require as a condition for the renewal of a license and permit that each licensee or permittee complete continuing education requirements.

(d) The board may deny an application for renewal for any reason which would justify the denial of an original application for a license or permit.

§30-23-23. Display of license.

(a) The board shall prescribe the form for a license and permit and may issue a duplicate license or permit, upon payment of a fee.

(b) A licensee shall conspicuously display his or her license at his or her principal place of practice. A photocopy of the original license shall be conspicuously displayed at his or her secondary place of employment.

(c) A permittee shall conspicuously display his or her permit at his or her principal place of practice. A photocopy of the original permit shall be conspicuously displayed at his or her secondary place of employment.

§30-23-24. Refusal to issue or renew, suspension or revocation; disciplinary action.

(a) The board may refuse to issue, refuse to renew, suspend, revoke or limit any license, apprentice license, permit or practice privilege and may take disciplinary action against a licensee or permittee who, after notice and a hearing, has been adjudged by the board as unqualified for any of the following reasons:

(1) Fraud, misrepresentation or deceit in obtaining or maintaining a license or permit;

(2) Failure by any licensee or permittee to maintain compliance with the requirements for the issuance or renewal of a license, apprentice license or permit;

(3) Dishonesty, fraud, professional negligence in the performance of medical imaging or radiation therapy technology, or a willful departure from the accepted standards of practice and professional conduct;

(4) Violation of any provision of this article or any rule promulgated hereunder;

(5) Violation of any professional standard or rule of professional conduct;

(6) Failure to comply with the provisions of this article or any rule promulgated hereunder;

(7) Failure to comply with any order or final decision of the board;

(8) Failure to respond to a request or action of the board;

(9) Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude;

(10) Conviction of a felony or a crime involving dishonesty or fraud or any similar crime under the laws of the United States, this state or another jurisdiction, if the underlying act or omission involved would have constituted a crime under the laws of this state;

(11) Knowingly using any false or deceptive statements in advertising;

(12) Any conduct adversely affecting the licensee's or permittee's fitness to perform Medical Imaging or Radiation Therapy Technology; or

(13) Except in emergency situations, failed to obtain written authorization from the attending licensed practitioner or from the patient and if the patient is a minor, from a parent or a person having custody of the minor.

(b) The board shall suspend or revoke any license or permit if it finds the existence of any grounds which would justify the denial of an application for such license or permit if application were then being made for it.

(c) If the board suspends, revokes, refuses to issue, refuses to renew or limits any license, permit or practice privilege, the board shall make and enter an order to that effect and give written notice of the order to the person by certified mail, return receipt requested, which order shall include a statement of the charges setting forth the reasons for the action, and notice of the date, time and place of the hearing. If a license or permit is ordered suspended or revoked, then the licensee or permittee shall, within twenty days after receipt of the order, return the license, apprentice license or permit to the board. The hearing shall be held in accordance with the provisions of this article.

(d) Disciplinary action includes, but is not limited to, a reprimand, censure, probation, administrative fines, and mandatory attendance at continuing education seminars.

§30-23-25. Complaints; investigations; notice.

(a) The board may, on its own motion, conduct an investigation to determine whether there are any grounds for disciplinary action against a licensee or permittee. The board shall, upon the verified written complaint of any person, conduct an investigation to determine whether there are any grounds for disciplinary action against a licensee or permittee. For the purposes of an investigation, a member of the board or the executive director of the board may issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum to obtain testimony and documents to aid in the investigation.

(b) Upon receipt of a written complaint filed against any licensee or permittee, the board shall provide a copy of the complaint to the licensee or permittee.

(c) If the board finds, upon investigation, that probable cause exists that the licensee or permittee has violated any provision of this article or the rules promulgated hereunder, then the board shall serve the licensee or permittee with a written statement of charges and a notice specifying the date, time and place of the hearing. The hearing shall be held in accordance with the provisions of this article.

§30-23-26. Hearing and judicial review.

(a) Any person adversely affected by an order entered by the board is entitled to a hearing. A hearing on a statement of the charges shall be held in accordance with the provisions for hearings set forth in article one of this chapter and the procedures specified by the board by rule.

(b) Either party may elect to have an administrative law judge or hearing examiner conduct the hearing and must notify the other party of the election. The administrative law judge or hearing examiner, at the conclusion of a hearing, shall prepare a proposed order which shall contain findings of fact and conclusions of law. Disciplinary action may be a part of the proposed order, or the board may reserve this obligation for its consideration. The board may accept, reject or modify the decision of the administrative law judge or hearing examiner.

(c) For the purpose of conducting a hearing, a member of the board or the executive director of the board may issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum which shall be issued, served, and enforced as specified in section one, article five, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, and all of the said section one provisions dealing with subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum shall apply to subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum issued for the purpose of a hearing hereunder.

(d) If, after a hearing, the board determines the licensee or permittee has violated any provision of this article, or the board's rules, a formal decision shall be prepared and signed by a member of the board or the executive director of the board, which contains findings of fact, conclusions of law and specifically lists the disciplinary actions imposed.

(e) Any licensee or permittee adversely affected by any decision of the board entered after a hearing, may obtain judicial review of the decision in accordance with section four, article five, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, and may appeal any ruling resulting from judicial review in accordance with article five, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code.

(f) In addition to any other sanction imposed, the board may require a licensee or permittee to pay the costs of the proceeding.

§30-23-27. Injunctions.

(a) When, by reason of an investigation under this article or otherwise, the board or any other interested person believes that a person has violated or is about to violate any provision of this article, any rule promulgated hereunder, any order of the board or any final decision of the board, the board or any other interested person may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for an injunction against such person enjoining such person from the violation. Upon a showing that the person has engaged in or is about to engage in any prohibited act or practice, an injunction, restraining order or other appropriate order may be granted by the court without bond.

(b) The board may fine and/or issue cease and desist orders against individuals and/or firms found to be in violation of the provisions of this article or any rule adopted thereunder.

(c) A cause of action by the board may be brought in the circuit court of Kanawha County or in the circuit court of the county where the cause of action took place.

§30-23-28. Criminal proceedings; penalties.

(a) When, as a result of an investigation under this article or otherwise, the board has reason to believe that a person has knowingly violated the provisions of this article, the board may bring its information to the attention of the Attorney General or other appropriate law-enforcement officer who may cause appropriate criminal proceedings to be brought.

(b) If a court of law finds that a person knowingly violated any provision of this article, any rule promulgated hereunder, any order of the board or any final decision of the board, then the person is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $100 and no more than $1,000 for each violation, imprisoned for up to six months for each violation, or both fined and imprisoned.

§30-23-29. Single act evidence of practice.

In any action brought or in any proceeding initiated under this article, evidence of the commission of a single act prohibited by this article is sufficient to justify a penalty, injunction, restraining order or conviction without evidence of a general course of conduct.

§30-23-30.

Repealed.

Acts, 2010 Reg. Sess., Ch. 32.