North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple signed a bill on Friday that sets licensure standards for technical personnel who perform medical imaging procedures and radiation therapy treatments.

The bill was spearheaded by the North Dakota Society of Radiologic Technologists (NDSRT).

“Enactment of S.B. 2236 is a huge step toward making sure that patient care is provided as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Ann Bell-Pfeifer of the NDSRT Legislative Committee, said in a statement. “It shows what a group of dedicated, organized and proactive radiologic technologists can accomplish and how a strong affiliate society like the NDSRT supports these efforts.”

Radiographers, radiation therapists, radiologist assistants, sonographers and nuclear medicine technologists who receive a license will now be able to take verbal orders from physicians and enter that into patients’ EHRs.

Previously, there were only equipment operating regulations for radiographers, radiation therapists and nuclear medicine technologies but the state attorney general did not consider it formal licensure.

Going forward, the state will put together the nine-member State Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Medical Examiners. They will oversee the licensing requirements and will be in charge of disciplinary actions and penalties.

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