ODH Requirements for Students and RTs

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Published: Thursday, 02 May 2019 10:11

The OSRT would like to be sure that Ohio radiographers and students are aware of a Ohio Department of Health rule. This rule can be found in Ohio Administrative Code 3701:1-66-07(F) Medical Fluoroscopic Equipment.

“In accordance with Ohio Administrative Code 3701:1-66-07(F), all individuals operating fluoroscopic equipment, and individuals likely to receive an annual effective dose equivalent in excess of one millisievert (one hundred millirem) from participating in fluoroscopic procedures, shall receive at least two hours of radiation protection training specific to fluoroscopy in addition to the training required by rule 3701:1-38-10 of the Administrative Code prior to performing or participating in fluoroscopic procedures." This rule includes students as well as technologists and licensed practitioners.  

The Ohio Department of Health has recently cited facilities that could not provide onsite documentation that radiology students from area programs had received 2 hours of specific fluoroscopy radiation protection training. All programs put multiple hours of coverage of radiation protection into their curriculum; however, the documentation must be specific to fluoroscopy and at the clinical facility at the time of ODH inspection. Some of the clinical facilities will provide this 2-hour training in their student rotation orientation but programs should be aware that these rules apply to all students as they rotate through any clinical facility where students are assigned to fluoroscopy.

These rules were effective on 7/1/2014 but ODH has only recently started citing for non-compliance by students. These rules will be up for revision in the near future and the OSRT will be at the table to voice our concerns.

OSRT strives to stay current in Ohio Department of Health activities as well as in Ohio legislative activities which impact the practice of radiology. We are present and bring up the concerns of the Ohio Technologists as laws and rules are written that affect Ohio radiology practice areas.

For questions about OSRT Advocacy efforts, contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

FDA's Proposed Rule Change-End Gonadal Shielding

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Published: Saturday, 20 April 2019 11:28

The Food and Drug Administration recently published a proposed rule to amend certain parts of its radiologic health regulations, including a recommendation to end the use of gonadal shielding on patients during medical diagnostic x-ray procedures. Submit either electronic or written comments on this proposed rule by July 1, 2019.

See ASRT Statement

See AAPM Position Statement

Help Radiologist Assistants-Contact your Congressman Today!

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Published: Saturday, 20 April 2019 10:52

Colleagues:

The Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2019 was introduced on March 28 by Representatives Mike Doyle (PA-18) and Pete Olson (TX-22) as H.R. 1970. This bill proposes a law that amends Medicare policy, allowing radiology practices and facilities to receive complete reimbursement for diagnostic imaging procedures performed by RAs, regardless of the setting in which the procedure is performed.

In late 2018, Medicare amended its payment policy to adjust the radiologist supervision levels for radiologist assistants. The ASRT, ARRT, ACR and SRPE are now advocating for the adoption of new statutory language in Medicare to ensure that regardless of the setting in which the radiology service is performed; hospital, critical access hospital, ambulatory surgical center or any other facility setting, that services provided by a radiologist assistant receive complete Medicare reimbursement. By not separating radiologist assistant reimbursement policies into different payment categories by service location, the adoption of MARCA would enable radiologists to devote more focused time to reviewing and interpreting complex medical images or urgent cases, thus increasing patients' access to care. RAs will be able to work more efficiently, and Medicare patients will receive care from qualified RAs regardless of the facility in which their procedure takes place.

RAs have completed advanced education and clinical competencies and can expertly and safely perform radiologic assessments and certain procedures that traditionally were performed only by radiologists. Without complete Medicare reimbursement for RAs services made to the radiology practices employing RAs, the profession is in peril. As a direct result of Medicare's current policy, RAs are losing their jobs and are unable to practice to the full extent of their capabilities. Medicare patients are not receiving the full benefit of care provided by a qualified and experienced radiology professional.

All radiologic technologists can help by contacting their congressman asking him or her to cosponsor H.R. 1970. This is easy to do by using ASRT's Advocacy Action Center to learn more about the MARCA bill and sending a message. R.T.s can also monitor activity on the bills and follow up with federal lawmakers regularly.

You will find more information in the ASRT Advocacy Action Center on the MARCA bill and can use the Find Your Elected Officials feature if you want to call your federal lawmakers' offices.

Sincerely,

Melissa Jackowski, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M), FASRT
President

New MRI Documents Set for 2020

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Published: Saturday, 20 April 2019 10:42

The ARRT recently updated its Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) documents for implementation on January 1, 2020. More information about the changes and the documents can be found at ARRT by clicking on “Updated MRI Documents”.

Check back with OSRT for up-to-date news and information! OSRT works for Ohio RTs. 

Online Advocacy Academy Wants You

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Published: Tuesday, 19 March 2019 15:30

• Promote, enhance and defend the profession's high professional standards of patient care by developing skills to navigate the legislative and regulatory process.
• Work towards a leadership position on affiliate boards and strengthen affiliate societies' advocacy and media relations skills.
• Develop personal advocacy and organizational advocacy skills.