Radiologic technologists: venipuncture: direct supervision.

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not specify the exact penalties or criminal charges for violating the new rules.

Radiologic Technologists: Venipuncture Supervision

AB-460 changes the definition of 'direct supervision' for venipunctures performed by radiologic technologists, requiring a doctor to be physically present or available via audio and video communication with access to patient records.

What This Bill Does

• Changes the definition of 'direct supervision' for venipuncture procedures performed by radiologic technologists.
• Requires doctors to either be physically present in the facility or available through audio and video communication if they are not on-site, with access to patient medical imaging records.
• Requires facilities to have safety protocols and trained personnel ready to respond to adverse events as directed by a doctor.

Who It Names or Affects

• Radiologic technologists who perform venipunctures
• Doctors supervising radiologic technologists during venipuncture procedures
• Facilities where venipunctures are performed

Terms To Know

Venipuncture

The process of inserting a needle into a vein to draw blood or give medication.

Direct supervision

A requirement that a doctor must be present and able to provide immediate medical help if needed during certain procedures.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify the exact penalties for violating these new rules.
• It is unclear how this change will affect staffing requirements at facilities performing venipunctures.

Official Summary Text

AB 460, Chen.
Radiologic technologists: venipuncture: direct supervision.
Existing law, the Radiologic Technology Act, provides for the certification and regulation of radiologic technologists by the State Department of Public Health and makes a violation of the act or regulation of the department adopted pursuant to the act a misdemeanor. Existing law authorizes a radiologic technologist to perform venipuncture in an upper extremity, as specified, under the direct supervision of a licensed physician and surgeon. Existing law defines direct supervision for purposes of that provision to mean the direction of procedures by a licensed physician and surgeon who is physically present and available within the facility when the procedures are performed to provide immediate medical intervention prevent or mitigate injury to the patient in the event of adverse reaction.
This bill would revise that definition to require the
licensed physician and surgeon to either be physically present within the facility and immediately available to intervene or available immediately via audio and video communication with access to the patient’s medical imaging records and have the ability to intervene by directing other onsite personnel. The bill would require the facility to have safety protocols and, unless the facility has a licensed physician and
surgeon who is physically present, as specified, to have
personnel onsite who have the appropriate license to respond to adverse events at the physician’s direction. By changing the scope of direct supervision for purposes of these provisions, the violation of which is a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Current Bill Text

Download Bill PDF