§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.