In Arizona counties with fewer than 400,000 people, or at facilities that qualify as federal critical access hospitals, the department must allow radiation therapy technologists to treat patients with a particle accelerator under "general supervision", meaning the authorized user does not have to be in the building, as long as specific protocol, observation and on-site visit rules are met.
Official title: radiation therapy; rural counties
- Immediately as an emergency measure (signed by the governor June 4, 2026)
What changes
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NowIn a county with fewer than 400,000 people, or for a registrant that qualifies as a critical access hospital under federal rules, the department must allow particle accelerator treatment of human diseases under general supervision if all listed conditions are met.
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NowUnder general supervision, the authorized user oversees treatment through a written protocol and is responsible for it being followed, but does not have to be present in the facility during the procedure.
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NowThe registrant or an authorized user must have a written protocol for each procedure, including patient follow-up instructions, and must review it at least once a year, documented with a signature and date. Technologists must follow the protocol.
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NowAt least every 6 months, an authorized user must watch each technologist perform a procedure and document the assessment. An authorized user must be on-site and available for consultation at least once every 5 working days, as shown in the registrant's records.
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Now"Special procedures" (5 or fewer treatment sessions, or more than 6 Gy per session) are not covered by this general supervision rule. Registrants using general supervision must have policies to monitor technologist performance and quality of patient care.
Who it affects
- Patients receiving radiation therapy in counties with fewer than 400,000 people or at critical access hospitals
- Radiation therapy technologists
- Authorized users (the supervising professionals defined in department rules)
- Rural hospitals and other radiation facility registrants
- The state department that regulates radiation use
What you need to do
Nothing.
What the law doesn't answer
- Which state department is meant by "the department"
- What level of supervision was required for this treatment before this law
- Which Arizona counties currently have fewer than 400,000 people
- Penalties or enforcement if a registrant does not meet the conditions
- Who is considered an "authorized user" or "registrant" (left to department rules)
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.