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SB 580

Updating practice act for WV Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Takubo

Updates to WV Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board regulate licensure, scope of practice, CE, and enforcement to strengthen public protection.

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Bill Summary · SB 580

Summary of SB 580 (2026) – West Virginia

Purpose and intent

SB 580 proposes updating the practice act governing the West Virginia Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board. The bill aims to modernize regulatory oversight of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals, clarify licensure and scope of practice, and align the board’s authority with current professional standards and technologies.

Key provisions and changes

  • Board and regulatory authority
    • Updates to the statutory framework that governs the West Virginia Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board, including its powers, duties, and regulatory processes.
  • Licensure and certification
    • Revisions related to licensure requirements for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals, potentially including eligibility criteria, application procedures, continuing education, and renewal processes.
  • Scope of practice
    • Clarifications or expansions of the authorized scope of practice for imaging technologists and radiation therapists, ensuring practices align with current technologies and clinical standards.
  • Continuing education and credentialing
    • Provisions governing mandatory continuing education (CE) requirements for license renewal, including CE hours, acceptable activities, and reporting mechanisms.
  • Disciplinary and compliance provisions
    • Strengthened enforcement provisions, including grounds for discipline, penalties, probation, revocation or suspension of licenses, and processes for handling complaints.
  • Administrative updates
    • Administrative drafting changes to ensure consistency with other WV health regulatory statutes, including timelines, fee structures, and reporting requirements.
  • Public protections
    • Measures intended to protect patients by ensuring qualified professionals practice within a clearly defined regulatory framework, and by maintaining public records of licenses and disciplinary actions.

Who would be affected

  • Licensed professionals
    • Medical imaging technologists, radiologic technologists, radiation therapists, and other practitioners regulated by the WV Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board.
  • Employers and training providers
    • Hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, clinics, and educational institutions offering programs in radiologic technology and radiation therapy, which must comply with licensure, CE, and reporting requirements.
  • Consumers/patients
    • Indirectly affected through improved public protection, standardized qualifications, and clearer accountability for imaging and radiation therapy services.
  • Regulatory bodies
    • The Board itself would implement updated procedures, enforcement mechanisms, and administrative processes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative path and schedule
    • Introduced in the Senate on 2026-01-22; referred to Government Organization, then Finance, with a committee substitute discussed.
    • Reported favorably (do pass) by the committee, then moved through readings in the Senate.
    • Passed the Senate on 2026-02-26 (Roll Call No. 236) and ordered to the House.
    • In the House, assigned to Government Organization, with actions including a referral on 2026-03-02.
  • Next steps
    • House committee consideration (Government Organization) and potential floor action.
    • If passed by the House, bill would go to the Governor for signature or veto.
  • Effective date and implementation
    • Specific effective dates and phase-in periods would typically be specified in the bill text; not provided in the summary data here. Likely includes effective date after passage or upon receiving regulatory rules.

Notes

  • Co-sponsor: Tom Takubo.
  • The bill reflects an effort to bring the WV practice act up to date with contemporary imaging and therapy technologies and to strengthen professional accountability and public safety.
  • For stakeholders, key areas to watch include licensure renewal deadlines, CE requirements, scope of practice clarifications, and any new disciplinary procedures.

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

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