Scope of Practice Continues to Dominate State Legislative Agendas

Forty-three state legislatures have begun their sessions and legislative chambers in all 50 states will convene in 2023. The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) State Affairs staff anticipates many measures that failed in 2022 will return this year, including independent practice of nurses and proposals shifting from physician supervision to a collaborative practice for physician assistants.

In addition to seeking full practice authority, ACR is aware that there will be legislative proposals introduced to allow certified registered nurse anesthetists to supervise radiologic technologists. Additionally, at least two states have filed measures to allow physical therapists (PTs) to order diagnostic imaging.  ACR recently joined the Iowa Radiological Society in a letter opposing Senate Study Bill 1046, which would allow PTs to order diagnostic imaging.

ACR serves as a resource for state society leaders to address legislative proposals, including scope of practice of non-physician personnel; surprise, balance and out-of-network billing (OON); price transparency; physician reimbursement; teleradiology; state licensure; and medical liability reform.

The College has numerous state advocacy resources, including a scope of practice microsite to help state chapters educate their lawmakers about the value of a radiologist. In addition, ACR has the capability to assist state societies as they deliberate over legislative strategies, providing services such as sending targeted call-to-action alerts through the ACR Radiology Advocacy Network (RAN). Working with state radiological societies, the College can help customize alerts to target specific committees or state legislators in specific districts.

To learn more about targeted alerts through RAN, contact Melody Ballesteros, ACR Assistant Director, Government Relations.

If you have questions about state legislative or state regulatory topics, contact Eugenia Brandt, ACR Senior Government Affairs Director, or Dillon Harp, ACR Senior Government Affairs Specialist.