The purpose of state
licensure is to provide some assurance to the citizens of Virginia that
those individuals performing radiologic exams (unless exempted by the
law) have met prescribed standards. While the overall issue of
licensure and the associated regulations will continue to be discussed
and debated, the key point right now is that there is a law in place in
Virginia and regulations have been developed. Just as it is with all
laws in Virginia, it is the responsibility of each citizen to know and
follow the law.
The licensure law in Virginia was enacted in January, 1997.
|
In Virginia it is law that you must be
licensed if you are practicing radiologic technology, unless you are
employed by a licensed hospital. (Code of Virginia 54.1-2956.8:1.) | |
Being licensed means applying to the Virginia Board of Medicine and being issued a Virginia license.
Being certified by the ARRT (Registry) is necessary to obtain a
Virginia license as a Radiologic Technologist, but it does not mean
that you are licensed.
Some very important points:
- A radiologic technologist "performs a
comprehensive scope of diagnostic radiologic procedures employing
equipment which emits ionizing radiation". (Code of Virginia 54.1-2900)
Individuals performing bone densitometry procedures that involve x-rays
must be licensed.
- You must have the license in your possession; it
is not enough to have applied for a license. If you do not yet have
your Virginia license, issued by the Virginia Board of Medicine, you
may not lawfully practice radiologic technology. (Again, those employed
by licensed hospitals are exempt.)
- The exact definition of
"employed by a licensed hospital" is not absolutely clear right now.
Clarification has been requested from the legal counsel to the Board of
Medicine and will be publicized as soon as it is known. However, if
you are employed by anyone other than a licensed hospital, you must be
licensed, even if you are physically working in a hospital.
Technologists employed by temporary agencies must be licensed.
What are the penalties for breaking the law?
If it seems that you are
practicing without a license, the Credentials Committee of the Virginia
Board of Medicine will have you come to Richmond for an informal
hearing. At that time, if the Committee finds you've been practicing
radiologic technology without a license, the decision might be made to:
- grant the license and make it clear to you that you've violated the law; not pursue prosecution
- grant the license and make it
clear to you that you've violated the law; impose a monetary penalty
(no more than $1000 for each violation); not pursue prosecution
- grant the license and make it
clear to you that you've violated the law; impose a monetary penalty
(no more than $1000 for each violation); suspend the license for a
period of time; not pursue prosecution
- not grant the license; not pursue prosecution
- not grant the license; pursue prosecution*
*It is a criminal offense
to practice without a license and you could be criminally prosecuted.
According to the law of Virginia, "any person who willfully engages in
any unlawful act in this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
The third conviction for violating this section during a 36 month
period shall constitute a felony." (Code of VA 54.1-111)
If you are found guilty of breaking the law, your ARRT certification is in jeopardy.
What should you do?
If you are not
currently licensed in Virginia by the Virginia Board of Medicine, are
performing radiologic procedures, and are employed by anyone other than
a licensed hospital, you are breaking the law. If you continue to
perform radiologic procedures, you are continuing to willfully break
the law. Your best bet is to stop breaking the law by performing
radiologic procedures. You should immediately apply for a license if
you plan on being employed by anyone other than a licensed hospital.
If you are considering
obtaining a job (full or part time) that involves working for someone
other than a licensed hospital, go ahead and apply for a license. Even
though there is a cost involved, having your license in hand allows you
to consider all opportunities and will prevent you from being in a
situation where you may be breaking the laws of Virginia.
For Licensure for Radiologic Technologists in Virginia,
please contact:
The Virginia Board of Medicine
6606 W. Broad Street, 4th Floor
Richmond, VA 23230-1717 Telephone: 804.662.9908
Fax: 804.662.9943
Complaint line: 1.800.533.1560 (in Virginia only)
Web site: http://www.dhp.state.va.us | 
