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SB 1334

An Act amending the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), known as the Medical Practice Act of 1985, further providing for definitions, for respiratory therapists, for perfusionist, for genetic counselor and for prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists and orthotic fitters; providing for medical imaging professionals, radiation therapists, radiologist assistants and trainees; further providing for licenses and certificates and general qualification; repealing provisions relating to radiologic procedures and education and training required; and making a repeal.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amanda Cappelletti and 8 co-sponsors

Modernizes and harmonizes licensing and scope-of-practice rules for a broad range of health professions, updating credentials and repealing outdated radiologic education requiremen

Third consideration and final passage
0
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Bill Summary · SB 1334

Overview

SB 1334 (2025-2026, Pennsylvania) amends the Medical Practice Act of 1985 (Act of December 20, 1985, P.L.457, No.112) to update definitions and regulatory provisions related to various health care professions. The bill includes changes affecting respiratory therapists, perfusionists, genetic counselors, prosthetists/orthotists/pedorthists/orthotic fitters, medical imaging professionals, radiation therapists, radiologist assistants and trainees, and general licensing/certification and qualification requirements. It also repeals provisions related to radiologic procedures and the education/training required for those procedures.

Main purpose and intent

  • Modernize and harmonize licensing, certification, and scope-of-practice rules for a broad set of medical imaging, rehabilitation, and allied health professionals.
  • Update or consolidate standards to reflect current practice, education, and credentialing pathways.
  • Repeal outdated radiologic procedure provisions and associated education/training requirements, potentially shifting to new framework within the act.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions: Revisions to definitions governing the listed professions to align with contemporary practice and credentialing terminology.
  • Respiratory Therapists: Updates to licensure, scope, or education standards (specifics not provided in the summary).
  • Perfusionists: Revisions to licensing/certification and practice standards.
  • Genetic Counselors: Updates to credentialing, scope, and qualifications.
  • Prosthetists, Orthotists, Pedorthists and Orthotic Fitters: Consolidated or clarified definitions and licensing requirements.
  • Medical Imaging Professionals: Expands or updates licensing/certification pathways for imaging disciplines.
  • Radiation Therapists: Updates to licensure/education requirements and scope.
  • Radiologist Assistants and Trainees: New or revised provisions governing the role, supervision, and training of radiologist assistants and their trainees.
  • Licenses and Certificates; General Qualification: Revisions to general qualification standards, renewal processes, and possible fee structures.
  • Repeal of Radiologic Procedures Provisions: Eliminates or replaces existing requirements tied to radiologic procedures and the specific education/training currently mandated for those procedures.

Who would be affected

  • Licensed professionals in:
    • Respiratory therapy
    • Perfusion
    • Genetic counseling
    • Prosthetics/Orthotics/Pedorthics/Orthotic fitting
    • Medical imaging (e.g., radiologic technologists, imaging professionals)
    • Radiation therapy
    • Radiologist assistants and trainees
  • Educational programs and institutions that prepare these professionals
  • Licensing boards and regulators under the Pennsylvania Department of State (or appropriate regulatory bodies referenced in the act)
  • Employers and clinical sites utilizing these professionals, including hospitals, imaging centers, and rehabilitation facilities

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Referred to the Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee on May 20, 2026.
  • Implications: If advanced, the bill would progress through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes before moving to the other chamber and, ultimately, the governor for signature or veto.
  • Administrative impact: May require updates to licensure application processes, fee schedules, and continuing education requirements; may also involve updating regulatory rules and guidance documents.

Potential impacts to watch

  • Alignment with national credentialing standards and professional boards.
  • Transition provisions for current licensees to the new framework (grandfathering or transitional credentials).
  • Financial implications for applicants and licensees (application/renewal fees, education costs).
  • Implementation timelines for the repeal of radiologic procedure education requirements and any replacement framework.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policy makers, healthcare professionals, or the general public) or add a side-by-side comparison with the current Medical Practice Act provisions to highlight exact changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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