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Bill

Bill

HB 89

AN ACT relating to medical imaging and radiation therapy licensure.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amy Neighbors

Establishes state licensure and credentialing requirements for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals to protect patient safety and standardize practice.

to Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H)
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Bill Summary · HB 89

Overview

HB 89 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky) is an act pertaining to licensure for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals. The bill appears to address regulation, credentialing, and oversight of individuals and entities involved in medical imaging and radiation therapy to ensure standards of practice, patient safety, and public protection. The bill’s stated scope includes licensure requirements, credentials verification, and potentially associated penalties or enforcement mechanisms.

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish or modify licensure requirements for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals in Kentucky.
  • Promote patient safety and professional competency through standardized credentialing.
  • Clarify authority and responsibilities of the state licensing board(s) and regulatory agencies overseeing medical imaging and radiation therapy practice.

Key Provisions (Expected Elements)

Note: The following provisions are typical for licensure bills in this area and reflect the core changes such a bill would normally introduce. The actual text of HB 89 would determine precise language and requirements.

  • Licensure Eligibility

    • Establish minimum education, training, and certification requirements for individuals performing medical imaging (e.g., radiography, CT, MRI) and radiation therapy.
    • Define acceptable credentialing pathways (e.g., state licensure, national certification, or specific professional boards).
  • Application and Renewal

    • Set application procedures, fees, and renewal cycles for licensure.
    • Require continuing education (CE) or ongoing competency requirements as a condition for renewal.
    • Stipulate documentation for licensure applications (education transcripts, certs, background checks).
  • Practice Standards and Scope

    • Clarify scope of practice for licensed medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals.
    • Establish standards of professional conduct and patient safety protocols.
  • Enforcement and Compliance

    • Define enforcement mechanisms for violations, including temporary or permanent license suspensions, fines, or disciplinary actions.
    • Create or designate a regulatory board or agency responsible for licensure administration, investigations, and adjudications.
  • Reciprocity and Grandfathering

    • Provisions for applicants licensed in other jurisdictions (reciprocity) or transitional arrangements for current practitioners.
  • Public Protection Provisions

    • Mechanisms to protect patient safety, such as mandatory reporting of adverse events, facility oversight, and compliance audits.

Who Might Be Affected

  • Medical imaging technologists, radiologic technologists, radiation therapists, and other professionals performing imaging or radiotherapy tasks.
  • Imaging and radiology departments within hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers.
  • Employers and facilities that hire licensed imaging and radiation therapy personnel.
  • Educational institutions offering programs in radiologic technology or radiation therapy.
  • State licensing boards or regulatory agencies charged with establishing and enforcing licensure.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction: January 7, 2026 (House release and referral sequence).
  • Initial committee referrals: Referred to Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H).
  • Potential subsequent committee reviews, amendments, and floor action as part of the standard legislative process.
  • If enacted, there would be a specified effective date (noted in the bill) for when licensure requirements take effect, with possible phased timelines for implementation, transition, and grandfathering.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Enhanced public safety through standardized licensure and ongoing competency requirements.
  • Clearer regulatory framework for imaging and radiation therapy practices.
  • Possible administrative burden on providers and facilities due to licensure processing, renewals, and CE compliance.
  • Impact on cross-state practitioners through reciprocity provisions, if included.
  • Financial implications for applicants and employers (licensure fees, renewal costs).

Notes

  • The summary above captures typical content for medical imaging and radiation therapy licensure bills. For precise provisions, timelines, and any unique Kentucky-specific requirements, the full text of HB 89 and official fiscal notes or committee analysis should be consulted.

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

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