Wisconsin Administrative Code Radiography Examining Board
The Wisconsin Administrative Code for the Radiography Examining Board (RAD) sets forth the regulations governing the licensing, practice, and conduct of radiographers and limited x-ray machine operators in the state. This board plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and competent use of medical radiation for diagnostic purposes.
Role of the Radiography Examining Board:
The Radiography Examining Board is established under Wisconsin Statutes § 15.405(7e). Its primary role is to protect public health and safety by regulating the practice of radiography. This involves:
Establishing licensure and permit requirements: Defining the qualifications, education, and examination standards that individuals must meet to become licensed radiographers or limited x-ray machine operators (LXMOs).
Approving educational programs: Ensuring that educational programs in radiography meet the necessary standards for preparing competent professionals.
Administering examinations: While often relying on national exams like those from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), the Board sets the requirements for passing these exams for Wisconsin licensure.
Defining the scope of practice: Clearly outlining what activities licensed radiographers and LXMOs are legally permitted to perform. LXMOs, for instance, have a more restricted scope of practice compared to fully licensed radiographers.
Mandating continuing education: Requiring licensees to complete ongoing education to maintain their knowledge and skills in a rapidly evolving field.
Establishing a code of conduct: Setting ethical and professional standards for radiographers and LXMOs.
Enforcing disciplinary actions: Investigating complaints and taking disciplinary action (such as denying, limiting, suspending, or revoking licenses/permits) against individuals who violate the rules or practice incompetently.
Key Chapters within the Wisconsin Administrative Code for the Radiography Examining Board (RAD):
The "RAD" chapters specifically address these aspects:
Chapter RAD 1: Authority and Definitions: Lays out the legal basis for the Board's existence and defines key terms used throughout the regulations (e.g., "radiographer," "limited x-ray machine operator," "ARRT," "ALARA" - As Low As Reasonably Achievable).
Chapter RAD 2: Requirements for Radiographer License: Details the specific educational, examination, and other criteria an individual must meet to obtain a full radiographer license. This often includes requirements for a board-approved formal course of study, typically a JRCERT-accredited degree or an ARRT-approved program, and passing the ARRT examination.
Chapter RAD 3: Requirements for Limited X-Ray Machine Operator (LXMO) Permit: Outlines the specific requirements for obtaining a permit to perform radiography within a limited scope (e.g., only certain body parts), which involves different educational and examination criteria than a full radiographer license.
Chapter RAD 4: Scope of Practice: Clearly defines the procedures and responsibilities that licensed radiographers and LXMOs are authorized to perform, emphasizing patient safety and radiation protection principles (ALARA).
Chapter RAD 5: Continuing Education: Specifies the number of continuing education hours required for license/permit renewal, approved providers, and how these hours must be documented.
Chapter RAD 6: Rules of Conduct: Establishes professional and ethical standards that licensees and permit holders must adhere to in their practice.
Chapter RAD 7: Renewal and Reinstatement: Covers the procedures and requirements for renewing a license or permit, as well as the process for reinstating a lapsed or revoked credential.
In essence, the Wisconsin Administrative Code for the Radiography Examining Board is the authoritative document that ensures that individuals performing medical radiography in Wisconsin are adequately trained, competent, and adhere to professional standards, thereby safeguarding patient health.
RELATED Blog
0 comments