Radiologist assistants in counties under 500,000 people or at critical access hospitals may now work under a radiologist's general supervision if set conditions are met, and the law also updates rules for nurse practitioners using x-ray machines, bone density scans, radiology schools and certificate fees.
Official title: radiologic technologists; radiologist assistants
- September 12, 2026
What changes
BeforeRadiologist assistants could perform procedures like fluoroscopy and giving contrast media only under a radiologist's direct supervision.
NowIn a county with fewer than 500,000 people or at a licensed critical access hospital, the state health department must allow general supervision, meaning by an Arizona-licensed radiologist reachable by phone or other telecommunication. Conditions include written procedure protocols reviewed at least yearly, a radiologist observing each assistant at least every 6 months, and a radiologist on-site at least once every 5 working days.
BeforeDentists, physician assistants, chiropodists, veterinarians and certain physicians and other practitioners did not need a separate state license to use a diagnostic x-ray machine.
NowRegistered nurse practitioners are added to that list. The legislature states it intends this to prompt the state board of nursing to issue an advisory opinion on radiation safety training and operator certification.
BeforePractical technologists in bone densitometry could use a bone density machine on a person's extremities only.
NowThey may use it on a person's hips, spine and extremities.
BeforeApproved radiologic technology schools needed at least 24 months of full-time study (or equal), accreditation by the committee on allied health accreditation (or meeting state standards) and at least 1,800 clinical hours.
NowThe 24-month rule is removed. Schools may be accredited by the commission on accreditation of allied health education programs, the joint review committee on education in radiologic technology, or an accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or meet state standards. The clinical minimum is 1,650 hours. Course and exam topics are updated, and certification exams may include the American registry of radiologic technologists' content specifications.
BeforeMammography and computed tomography (CT) technologist certificates had a $20 application fee and a $20 renewal fee.
NowThe application and renewal fees are whatever the state health department sets in rule.
Who it affects
- Radiologist assistants and the radiologists who supervise them
- Registered nurse practitioners
- Practical technologists in bone densitometry
- Students and schools of radiologic technology
- Mammography and CT technologists
- Health care facilities in counties with fewer than 500,000 people and critical access hospitals
- Arizona Department of Health Services
- State board of nursing
What you need to do
Nothing.
What the law doesn't answer
- What the new mammography and CT certificate fees will be
- When the health department will adopt rules setting the new fees
- Which Arizona counties fall under the 500,000-population limit
- What radiation safety training the state board of nursing may recommend for nurse practitioners, or when
- What practical effect removing radiologic technology certificate holders from the definition of 'health care provider' in the telehealth chapter has
- How current students or schools are treated during the switch to the new school standards
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.