DAR File No. 32412

Commerce, Occupational and Professional Licensing

R156-54

Radiology Technologist and Radiology Practical Technician Licensing Act Rules

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE

DAR File No.: 32412
Filed: 02/26/2009, 11:29
Received by: NL

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The Division and the Radiology Technologist Licensing Board are proposing amendments to increase the passing score on examinations required for licensure for radiology practical technicians. The current minimum scores have been in place for at least 10 years and it is felt that the low passing score does not adequately test the knowledge and training of an examinee.

Summary of the rule or change:

Throughout the rule, the term "rules" has been replaced by "rule" where applicable. In Section R156-54-302b regarding examination requirements for radiology practical technicians, the minimum passing examination score for the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) is being increased from 65% to 75% and the minimum passing score for the ARRT Bone Densitometry Equipment Operations Examination is being increased from 59% to 75%.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

Section 58-54-1 and Subsections 58-1-106(1)(a) and 58-1-202(1)(a)

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

The Division will incur minimal costs of approximately $50 to reprint the rule once the proposed amendments are made effective. Any costs incurred will be absorbed in the Division's current budget.

local governments:

The proposed amendments only apply to applicants for licensure as a radiology practical technician; therefore, no costs or savings are anticipated for local governments.

small businesses and persons other than businesses:

The proposed amendments will only apply to applicants for licensure as a radiology practical technician and in most cases no small business pays the licensing fees for this type of applicants. Therefore, no costs or savings are anticipated for small businesses. Given the proposed higher minimum passing score required on examinations required for licensure as a radiology practical technician, it may be that fewer applicants will pass the required examination the first time and may need to retake the examination at a cost of $100. Based on examination figures from applicants who have taken the respective examinations in 2008, 205 individuals were scheduled for the examinations. At the current passing score of 65% on the Limited Scope examination, 56 individuals failed the examination the first time. If the passing rate is raised to 75% as proposed, 76 individuals would have failed the examination. Based on the 2008 examination numbers, the Division anticipates that as a result of increasing the minimum passing score about 10% of persons taking the examinations will need to take the examination more than one time. However, it is anticipated the public will benefit from the proposed amendments in having better qualified licensees as a result of the increase in the examination minimum passing score.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

The proposed amendments will only apply to applicants for licensure as a radiology practical technician. Given the proposed higher minimum passing score required on examinations required for licensure as a radiology practical technician, it may be that fewer applicants will pass the required examination the first time and may need to retake the examination at a cost of $100. Based on examination figures from applicants who have taken the respective examinations in 2008, 205 individuals were scheduled for the examinations. At the current passing score of 65% on the Limited Scope examination, 56 individuals failed the examination the first time. If the passing rate is raised to 75% as proposed, 76 individuals would have failed the examination. Based on the 2008 examination numbers, the Division anticipates that as a result of increasing the minimum passing score about 10% of persons taking the examinations will need to take the examination more than one time. However, it is anticipated the public will benefit from the proposed amendments in having better qualified licensees as a result of the increase in the examination minimum passing score.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

This proposed rule change requires a higher score on the required examination for radiology practical technicians. Businesses that hire radiology practical technicians could see additional costs if their employees do not pass the examination at the higher level and have to retake the exam, but any such costs should be outweighed by the benefit to the public in receiving services from better qualified providers. No other fiscal impact to businesses is anticipated. Francine A. Giani, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Commerce
Occupational and Professional Licensing
HEBER M WELLS BLDG
160 E 300 S
SALT LAKE CITY UT 84111-2316

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

Clyde Ormond at the above address, by phone at 801-530-6254, by FAX at 801-530-6511, or by Internet E-mail at cormond@utah.gov

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

04/14/2009

Interested persons may attend a public hearing regarding this rule:

4/02/2009 at 1:00 PM, Heber Wells Bldg, 160 E 300 S, Conference Room 475 (fourth floor), Salt Lake City, UT

This rule may become effective on:

04/21/2009

Authorized by:

F. David Stanley, Director

R156. Commerce, Occupational and Professional Licensing.

R156-54. Radiology Technologist and Radiology Practical Technician Licensing Act Rule[s].

R156-54-101. Title.

Th[ese]is rule[s are] is known as the "Radiology Technologist and Radiology Practical Technician Licensing Act Rule[s]."

 

R156-54-102. Definitions.

In addition to the definitions in Title 58, Chapters 1 and 54, as used in Title 58, Chapters 1 and 54 or th[ese]is rule[s]:

(1) "ARRT" means the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

(2) "Practice as a radiology practical technician" means using radiological equipment limited to specific radiographic procedures on specific parts of the human anatomy as contained in the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) "Content Specifications for the Examination for the Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography", effective January 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

(3) "Supervision", "general supervision" or "direct supervision" as used in Subsections 58-54-2(5), (6) and (7) and Section 58-54-8 means that the supervising radiologist or radiology practitioner shall be available for consultation while the radiology technologist or the radiology practical technician is performing any radiographic procedures. Consultation may be in person, by telephone, by radio or any other means of direct verbal communication. The supervising radiologist or radiology practitioner shall be responsible for the radiographic procedures performed by the radiology technologist or the radiology practical technician.

(4) "Unprofessional conduct" as defined in Title 58, Chapters 1 and 54, is further defined, in accordance with Subsection 58-1-203(5), in Section R156-54-502.

 

R156-54-103. Authority - Purpose.

Th[ese]is rule[s are] is adopted by the division under the authority of Subsection 58-1-106(1)(a) to enable the division to administer Title 58, Chapter 54.

 

R156-54-302b. Examination Requirements - Radiology Practical Technician.

In accordance with Subsection 58-54-5(3), the examination requirement for licensure as a radiology practical technician requires passing:

(1) the ARRT Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography Examination with a minimum score of [65]75% for the following:

(a) core; and

(b) one or more of the following sections:

(i) chest;

(ii) extremities;

(iii) skull/sinuses;

(iv) spine; and

(v) podiatric; or

(2) the ARRT Bone Densitometry Equipment Operators Examination (BDEO) with a minimum score of [59]75%.

 

KEY: licensing, radiology technologists, radiology practical technicians

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [July 31, 2006]2009

Notice of Continuation: January 9, 2007

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 58-54-1; 58-1-106(1)(a); 58-1-202(1)(a)