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Bill

HB 571

GAMING-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

House Bill 571 establishes a licensing framework for radiologist assistants in Georgia, ensuring quality care through education and regulation while protecting current practitioners.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 571

Summary of House Bill 571: Licensing of Radiologist Assistants

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 571
- Title: Professions and businesses; licensing of radiologist assistants; provide
- Status: Senate Read and Referred
- Introduced: February 21, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 571 aims to establish a formal licensing framework for radiologist assistants in Georgia. The bill seeks to enhance the regulation of this profession, ensuring that radiologist assistants meet specific educational and professional standards, thereby improving the quality of care provided in radiology settings.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

  1. Licensing Requirements:

    • Establishes a licensing process for radiologist assistants, including specific qualifications and training requirements.
    • Prohibits individuals from representing themselves as radiologist assistants without proper licensure.
  2. Continuing Education:

    • Mandates that licensed radiologist assistants complete board-approved continuing education to maintain their licensure.
    • The Georgia Composite Medical Board will determine the number of required continuing education hours and the categories in which these hours should be earned.
  3. Duties and Powers of the Georgia Composite Medical Board:

    • The board will oversee the licensing process, including the establishment of an advisory committee to assist in the regulation of radiologist assistants.
    • The board will have the authority to define the scope of practice for licensed radiologist assistants and to prohibit certain practices that may exceed their training.
  4. Grandfathering Provisions:

    • Current radiologist assistants employed in the field will be eligible for licensure under the new regulations, ensuring they can continue their practice without interruption.
  5. Repeal of Previous Definitions:

    • The bill repeals the existing definition of a radiologist assistant, replacing it with updated definitions that reflect the new licensing framework.

Impact

  • Professionals Affected: The bill directly impacts radiologist assistants, radiologists, and the Georgia Composite Medical Board. It establishes a clear pathway for current and future radiologist assistants to obtain licensure and continue their professional development.
  • Healthcare Quality: By instituting licensing and continuing education requirements, the bill aims to enhance the quality of care in radiology, ensuring that assistants are well-trained and knowledgeable.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 21, 2025: Bill introduced and entered the House Hopper.
  • February 24, 2025: First reading in the House.
  • February 26, 2025: Second reading in the House.
  • February 28, 2025: Favorably reported by the House Committee.
  • March 6, 2025: Passed/Adopted by the House by substitute.
  • March 10, 2025: Read and referred to the Senate.

Conclusion

House Bill 571 represents a significant step towards formalizing the role of radiologist assistants in Georgia. By establishing a licensing framework and continuing education requirements, the bill aims to enhance the professionalism and quality of care provided in the field of radiology.

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

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