Alaska Society of Radiologic Technologists
PO Box 142751
Anchorage, Alaska 99514
USA
Legislation News
It is important that we as professionals talk about Radiation Safety and why the H-71 bill is important for the state. Talk with friends, relatives, as well as our patients when appropriate in order that the public will have a better understanding of the concerns and support it for their own safety. After many years our legislators still don't understand or don't care about radiation safety issues.
Legislation Update
Submitted by Donna Rufsholm
Legislative Committee Chair
State Licensure Efforts Update
As many of the members of the Alaska Society of Radiologic Technologists are aware, the AKSRT has been attempting for many years to get legislation passed for state licensure of individuals who perform ionizing radiation procedures in the state of Alaska. This legislation will establish education and credentialing standards that will ensure competency of all individuals who perform x-ray exams resulting in improved radiation protection and safety for patients and workers and improved patient care.
AKSRT Legislative Affairs Committee members are frequently asked by RT’s from around the state why we need to have licensure in Alaska. The answer is that for every one of the approximately 500 Registered Radiologic Technologists in the state there is another person, who is not a registered technologist, performing x-ray exams in the state. Some of these individuals have had formal education in x-ray, some have had a minimum of education and many have had no education at all. To ensure that all patients get the best care possible, we need to make sure all individuals who perform x-ray exams know what they are doing. We need to make sure they know about radiation protection and safety, equipment maintenance and operation, image production and evaluation, radiographic anatomy and positioning procedures. The only way that we can make sure they know what they are doing is to establish a licensure program in the state that will ensure competency by establishing educational and credentialing standards.
Licensure will not change the way you, as an RT, perform your job. Registered Radiologic Technologists will only need to provide proof of current ARRT certification to the state to meet the requirement standards for state licensure. .
The AKSRT Legislative Affairs Committee needs support from the RT’s around the state. Talk to the Representative and Senator from your district and ask them to support the legislation. If you do not support our efforts you need to let us know. The AKSRT is your state professional organization. The AKSRT officers, Board, and Legislative Affairs Committee members represent you. If you have questions or concerns about the legislation, do not hesitate to contact one of the following individuals.
Legislative Affairs
Committee Chair
907-299-2046 cell
907-235-0360 work
Legislative Affairs
Committee Co-Chair
907-868-3434 home
907-244-1208 cell
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Updated
12/06/2009 03:41:45 PM