Bill Caption

Fiscal Notes

Bill Analysis

Summary: SB 1079 would add Chapter 207 to Texas’ Occupations Code, requiring the Texas Medical Board for a registered radiologist assistant to practice in Texas.

SB 1079 would give supervising radiologists the ability to determine what level of supervision to give an assistant, although SB 1079 does stipulate certain practices that assistants cannot perform. These practices include interpreting images, making diagnoses, and prescribing medication and therapy.

SB 1079 would allow the board to set a fee to cover the cost of this chapter’s administration and give the board the power to levy administrative penalties of up to $5,000 for each day a violation of this chapter, or a rule made pursuant to this chapter, occurs.

Analysis: While we are generally opposed to occupational licensing, we do recognize some appropriate licensing in certain highly specialized fields such as health care. This legislation would ensure that only properly trained individuals work as registered radiologist assistants. We are neutral on SB 1079.