SB171 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

William “Bill” M. BeasleySenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Health of personnel performing radiologic imaging on radiation therapy, licensing and reg. by Radiation Control Agency of Public Health Dept. civil penalties, advisory bd. estab.

Summary

SB171 would create a state licensing system for health care workers who perform radiologic imaging or radiation therapy in Alabama, overseen by the State Radiation Control Agency, with an advisory committee, new licenses, and penalties.

What This Bill Does

It requires licensure for radiologic imaging and radiation therapy starting January 1, 2021, with licenses issued to those certified by recognized certification organizations for specialties like nuclear medicine, radiography, radiation therapy, and limited x-ray operation. It establishes a Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Advisory Committee to define scopes of practice, set licensure rules and fees, recognize out-of-state licenses, and oversee licensure requirements and renewals, plus a dedicated fund supported by fees and penalties. It provides a grandfathering path for current practitioners to register by 2021, meet continuing education and supervision requirements, and obtain licensure by 2024. It includes exemptions for dental professionals, residents or students under supervision, federal employees, and non-human use, and allows remote-area licensure options and penalties for violations.

Who It Affects

• Health care personnel who perform radiologic imaging or radiation therapy, who would be required to obtain and maintain a state license and comply with scope-of-practice rules.
• Hospitals, clinics, and other facilities that employ such personnel, which would need to verify licensure, ensure supervision, comply with licensure fees, and avoid employing unlicensed workers (with a grandfathering path for current staff).

Key Provisions

• Creates the State Radiation Control Agency and a Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Advisory Committee to guide licensure and practice rules.
• Establishes licensure for nuclear medicine technologists, radiation therapists, radiographers, and limited x-ray machine operators; licenses issued based on certification from recognized organizations; recognizes out-of-state licenses; sets renewal requirements and fees.
• After January 1, 2021, prohibits performing radiologic imaging or radiation therapy on humans without a license or licensed practitioner; authorizes civil penalties for violations (up to $200) with funds deposited into the Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Fund.
• Provides a grandfathering process for current practitioners to register by January 1, 2021, complete required education, remain supervised, and obtain licensure by January 1, 2024.
• Allows the agency to grant alternative licensure requirements for remote areas and to issue licenses to retired military personnel and spouses of active duty personnel.
• Lists exemptions for licensed dental professionals, residents/students under supervision, federal government workers, and non-human subjects.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health