1950's Fluoroscope

Regulations do not specifically address the issue of allowing non-licensed radiologic technologists (RT) to pan the table and move the fluoroscopy unit in cath lab procedures. In an April, 2001 letter to Diagnostic Imaging Specialists (DIS), the IEMA Division of Electronic Products disseminated guidelines that expanded upon the basic licensing requirements for individuals who apply ionizing radiation to human beings.

In the letter, the Division of Electronic Products states that,

“Provided that a licensed physician and an accredited technologist are physically present and actively participating in the fluoroscopic procedure, the following tasks may be performed by individuals other than accredited radiologic technologists: 

• Moving or positioning the patient; 
• Moving or positioning of the x-ray unit; and 
• Resetting the fluoroscopic timer.