Staying On Top of Scope of Practice State Legislation

The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) government affairs team tracked more than 100 scope of practice (SOP) bills at the state level this legislative session. Members are encouraged to regularly check the ACR Policy Map to stay current on issues in their state; in addition, here is an update on SOP bills the College is monitoring.

Alaska

Senate Bill (SB) 115 would grant a physician assistant (PA) who has completed 4,000 hours of practice experience to practice without a collaborative agreement with a physician. SB 115 was assigned to the House Health and Social Services Committee.

Arizona

House Bill (HB) 2187 would mandate that only licensed physicians would be able to use the following designations: “Doctor of Medicine”, “Dr.”, “Physician”, “MD/DO”, and “Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.” This bill would also only allow physicians licensed by the American Board of Medical Specialties, to use their specialty designation (e.g., radiologist). HB 2187 was assigned to the House Committee on Rules.

Georgia

SB 460 would have revised the number of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNS) or PAs that a delegating physician could supervise at any one time. The bill would have mandated that a delegating physician could not supervise more than eight APRNS or PAs. SB 460 failed.

Iowa

Senate Study Bill (SSB) 1142 would have repealed the requirement that a PA practice under the supervision of a licensed physician. SSB 1142 failed.

Louisiana

SB 160 would increase the time frame, from 15 to 30 days, that a PA is required to notify the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners of any changes or additions to his/her supervising physicians. SB 160 was assigned to the House Committee on Health and Welfare.

Maryland

HB 425 would have enjoined the state of Maryland into the APRN compact. This compact allows APRNs who meet its eligibility requirements to practice in other compact states. HB 425 failed.

Missouri

HB 2534 would mandate that healthcare practitioners use appropriate titles and abbreviations. For example, only physicians could use the titles physician, medical doctor, “MD” or “DO.” HB 2534 was assigned to the House Committee on Health and Mental Health Policy.

Washington

HB 1417 would have enjoined the state of Washington into the nurse licensure compact. This compact allows nurses who meet its eligibility requirements to practice in other compact states. HB 1417 failed.

ACR partners with Fiscal Note, a legislation and regulation tracking service, to provide continuous, comprehensive updates on radiology and healthcare-related legislation.

For more information about state legislative activities, or if you’d like to have access to Fiscal Note, contact Eugenia Brandt, ACR Senior Government Affairs Director, or Dillon Harp, ACR Senior Government Relations Specialist.