A.R.S. § 32-2819.01: Radiologist assistants; general supervision; rural counties; critical access hospitals; definition

A. In a county with a population of less than five hundred thousand persons or a health care institution that is licensed as a critical access hospital, the department shall allow for general supervision of radiologist assistants if the health care facility ensures all of the following:

1. The health care facility or radiologist:

(a) Has established a written protocol for the application of radiation to a patient for each procedure that may be conducted by a radiologist assistant under the general supervision of a radiologist, including follow-up instructions for the patient.

(b) Reviews and, as necessary, revises the written protocol at least annually.

(c) Documents the review required by subdivision (b) of this paragraph with a signature and date of signature.

2. Each radiologist assistant follows the applicable written protocol when delivering radiation to a patient.

3. At least every six months, the radiologist:

(a) Observes each radiologist assistant while the radiologist assistant is performing a procedure to ensure the radiologist assistant's adherence to the applicable written protocol.

(b) Documents the radiologist's observation and assessment of the radiologist assistant.

4. A radiologist is on-site and available for consultation about patient care at least once every five working days, as verified in documentation maintained by the registrant.

5. The health and safety of patients are maintained.

B. A radiologist that uses general supervision to comply with the requirements of this section shall develop, maintain and implement policies and procedures to monitor both:

1. The performance of each procedure by a radiologist assistant under general supervision.

2. The quality of patient care.

C. For the purposes of this section, "general supervision" means supervision by a radiologist who is licensed in this state and who is readily accessible by telecommunication.