As a practicing radiologist for over 30 yrs, Vice-Chair of the Radiology Dept at VCU Medical Center, Radiologist Preceptor of the VCU/MCV RA Training Program, and also as a Board Member of the Virginia Chapter of the ACR, which represents over 500 radiologists in the state of Virginia,  I am strongly in support of the RA licensure bill as written.

RAs are a valuable addition to the radiology workforce of the state, serving as radiologist extenders in a similar manner as other designated physician extenders to other medical specialties.  State licensure of RAs needs to occur  so that the Commonwealth can achieve the benefit of this enhancement to the workforce and therefore increased patient access as well as bringing the state in line with  multiple other states throughout the country who have already approved licensure of RAs or who have pending legislation.

The posted objections of the RPAs are noted, however, many of the posted objections are by RPAs who do not live or practice in VA.  Also, there is an option for RPAs to take the same licensing exam as RAs and they would then be certified RAs and fall under the current wording of the bill.  We should not stall or amend this legislation now.  If the RPA community wants separate wording to be included, then they can go through the legislative process as was done with the RA licensure.

As a longtime practicing radiology who participates in the training of RAs and whose practice includes RAs in the environment,  and as a radiologist actively involved with  the state and national radiologists groups,  I stongly support the legislation for licensure of RAs in Virginia.