This development of the radiologist assistant (RA) profession within the field of radiologic technology is an important step for improving access to care for patients in Virginia.  The RA will serve as an extender for radiologists and perform procedures under varying levels of supervision by radiologists. 

The professional licensure of radiologist assistants  is supported by the American College of Radiology (AS), the Virginia Chapter of the ACR, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, and the Virginia Society of Radiologic Technologists.

I support the creation of regulations for Virginia RAs based on materials advanced by the Virginia chapter of the ACR.

There is a shortage of Radiologist across the country, I believe there is a need for the mid level radiology extenders.

I support state licensure for mid level radiology extenders.  I am currently working as a mid level radiology provider.  I have been in the Radiology field for twenty years, the only concern that I have is the new entry level clinical activities recently published by the ARRT.  I would like to ask the board to allow the supervising Radiologist and the hospital credentialing committee have a role in the decision making of what clinical activites the Radiology extender may or maynot  do.  The ECLA (entry level clincal activities) document is a good starting point, but this document will limit my current job duties.  I believe you should have to prove competency with any new procedure.  The supervising Radiologist is not going to let you do a procedure that they are not comfortable with you doing because we are working under their license. 

Thanks for consideration,

David Pyle RPA/RA