Relates to registered radiologic technologists working within a collaborative practice agreement with a licensed physician

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. says this is needed

New York faces a significant health care workforce challenge that affects our entire delivery system, including diagnostic imaging. Across the state, imaging centers and other providers compete constantly for a limited supply of physicians and other licensed professionals as demand for timely diagnostic services to meet patient needs continues to grow. These workforce pressures are being felt with particular severity in radiology, where current requirements can make it difficult to main- tain adequate coverage and to provide timely access for patients. Today, these problems are especially pronounced and felt most acutely in neighborhoods outside of Manhattan in New York City and in more rural areas across New York State. While physician coverage may be more readi- ly available in some places, imaging centers located in areas that are difficult to reach by public transit struggle to secure full-time on-site physician coverage necessary solely for the purpose of supervis- ing the administration of contrast media by trained professionals. The result of these shortages can be reduced hours, delayed appointments, longer patient wait times, or other avoidable barriers to care for patients who need timely imaging. Access to imaging services is also at its core, a health equity issue. Community-based imaging centers frequently serve as a front door for diagnoses, including cancer screening and other essential imaging inten- sive diagnostic services. For communities of color and medically under- served neighborhoods, local access to imaging can determine whether a patient receives early detection, timely treatment planning, and appro- priate follow-up care within a course of treatment. When staffing requirements throttle the capacity and operations of imaging centers in these communities, patients may be forced to travel farther, wait long- er, or choose forego care altogether as a result of those raised barri- ers to care. This bill recognizes that the principal reason a physician must be available in connection with contrast-enhanced imaging is to oversee and direct responses to potential adverse reactions to contrast media. Seri- ous reactions are rare, and most reactions are mild and can be swiftly and easily managed through established protocols, including observation and medication when clinically appropriate. The bill does not eliminate physician oversight, rather it permits radiologic technologists who are already trained and certified in intiravenous contrast administration to practice under clearly defined collaborative agreements with licensed physicians. These collaborative practice agreements would require writ- ten protocols, annual review, appropriate training, maintenance of an intravenous contrast administration certificate, patient notice, and qualified on-site personnel prepared to respond to adverse events. Radi- ologic technicians entering into collaborative practice agreements with Physicians would be permitted to be supervised remotely by physicians under the terms of those specific protocols and in compliance with CMS guidance for such supervision. By authorizing these collaborative practice agreements, this bill will expand access to imaging services, support community-based providers, and improve the ability of imaging centers to serve patients in neigh- borhoods where physician staffing challenges are most severe. The bill, if enacted, will maintain robust clinical safeguards and oversight, while aligning supervision requirements with modern telehealth capabili- ties and the practical realities of health care delivery

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.