HOUSE BILL 549 -Position Statement

To Whom it may Concern,

House Bill 549, introduced on March 2, 2020, relates to Limited X-ray Machine Operators (LXMO). Currently LXMOs are prohibited from working in facilities where contrast studies, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy procedures are performed such as in a hospital, cancer center or independent diagnostic testing facility.

HB 549 would allow LXMOs to be employed by such facilities if he or she was employed by the facility as an operator of a source of radiation:

Prior to the facility performing contrast studies, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine or radiation therapy procedures; or

Prior to the effective date of this section or 20 KAR 46:081 which would otherwise bar employment at a facility where contrast studies, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine or radiation therapy procedures are not performed. 

HB 549 has been referred to the House Licensing, Occupations & Admin Regs Committee. The Kentucky Society of Radiologic Technologists opposes enactment of this bill citing allowing limited x-ray machine operators to perform imaging examinations where contrast studies, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy procedures are performed is not in the best interest of patient safety.

Thank you,

KSRT, Inc. Board of Directors