OSRT Avocacy Update
The Ohio Society of Radiologic Technologists (OSRT) is actively engaged at the Ohio Statehouse on two significant pieces of legislation that directly impacts imaging practice and patient safety in Ohio. OSRT is working very hard to protect your job and Ohio consumer patients! Below is an update for members regarding Senate Bill 324 and House Bill 479.

Senate Bill 324 – GXMO Supervision Expansion--OSRT Position: Oppose as written
Senate Bill 324, sponsored by Senator Huffman, proposes expanding who may supervise General X-Ray Machine Operators (GXMOs) to include nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs). OSRT leadership and member representatives recently met at the Ohio Statehouse with Senator Huffman to outline serious concerns with the bill as proposed. The OSRT has repeatedly advocated against similar expansions that compromise imaging oversight and patient protection. OSRT's goal remains clear: imaging must be supervised by professionals with appropriate radiologic education and competency.

Key Concerns

• Lack of radiologic education for NPs and PAs, who would become newly authorized supervisors under the bill.
• Increased risk of patient harm, including improper imaging techniques, repeat exposures, and misdiagnosis due to inadequate supervision.

House Bill 479 –Supervision of Imaging Contrast Administration--OSRT Position: Support

The OSRT delivered proponent testimony before the House Health Committee, affirming that HB 479 aligns with new national standards, including those supported by the American College of Radiology, improves patient access to timely imaging requiring contrast, supports a qualified imaging workforce while maintaining strong safety oversight, and reinforces Ohio’s commitment to high quality, safe medical imaging.

What the Bill Does

• Revises the law to authorize radiographers, radiation therapy technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, and registered nurses to administer contrast under direct or general supervision of a physician.
• Allows radiologist assistants to administer contrast under remote supervision, rather than requiring the radiologist to be onsite.
• Requires that when a physician provides general or remote supervision, a qualified healthcare provider trained in recognizing and responding to contrast reactions must be physically present during administration.