ALLIED HEALTH SCOPE OF PRACTICE
ADULT RADIOLOGY PRACTITIONER ASSISTANT
Position
Description:
Radiology Practitioner Assistant (RPA)
This position is an advanced-level radiologic technologist who enhances patient care by
extending the capacity of the radiologist in the diagnostic imaging environment. The position
performs patient assessment, assists inpatient management, fluoroscopy and a broad range
of diagnostic and interventional services under the supervision of a Radiologist.
Education/
Certification/
Licensure:
Current certification by the Certification Board for Radiology Practitioner Assistants. Current
Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification is also required.
This position requires knowledge normally associated with completion of a Bachelor's Degree
and certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and graduation from a
certified Radiology Practitioner Assistant program and current certification by the Certification
Board for Radiology Practitioner Assistants.
Requirements:
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Supervision
Requirements
The RPA shall be under the supervision of a sponsoring physician(s) and the Department of
Radiology Director. The sponsoring physician shall assume full responsibility for any and all
orders, progress notes, and actions performed in the hospital. The RPA is allowed to perform
only those procedures as outlined within their RPA Scope of Practice. The sponsoring
physician must be on the hospital premises for consultation/direction.
Scope of
Practice:
1. Performs patient assessment, assists in patient management, and a broad range of
diagnostic and interventional services under the supervision of a Radiologist. RPA will
make initial observations of diagnostic images and prepare final reports for review and
sign off by supervising physician. They may respond to urgent and emergent situations
during the performance of essential functions which may include initial patient rescue.
2. Evaluates the daily schedule of procedures with the supervising physician and
determines where skills set will be best utilized.
3. Completes procedures under the guidance, supervision and discretion of the supervising
physician and displays competencies required by licensure, scope of practice,
credentialing and organizational policy.
4. Evaluates medical images, reviews preliminary reports and images with supervising
physician, and prepares technical reports for review and sign off by the supervising
physician.
5. Assess and evaluate the physiologic and psychological responsiveness of each patient.
6. Administer intravenous medications and contrast media as ordered by the supervising
physician and record documentation in the medical records.
7. Collects, analyzes, evaluates pertinent information regarding equipment, procedures and
the work environment for radiation safety, patient safety, risk management and quality
management opportunities and implements corrective action when necessary.
Current ACLS and PALS Certification.
Proof of malpractice insurance in the amounts of 1M/3M.
Current TB
Knowledge and skill in applying principals of asepsis and infection control.
Meet any and all other requirements governing Allied Health Professionals.
Work within and abide by the policies and procedures of the Radiology Department.
Procedures performed may include:
1. Fluoroscopic procedures (static and dynamic)
2. Ultrasound, Computed Tomography or Fluorscopic guided biopsies
3. Ultrasound, Computed Tomography or Fluoroscopic guided aspiration and drainage
catheter placements
4. Arthrograms
5. Lumbar punctures
6. PICC Line Placement
7. Exchange and Replacement of Gastrostomy/Gastrojejunostomy
Adult Radiology Practitioner Assistant
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Observation
1. The RPA must observe at least ten each (10) of diagnostic procedures requiring image
interpretation and must successfully perform at least twenty each (20) documented
directly supervised cases.
2. The RPA must observe at least five each (5) of interventional procedures and must
successfully perform at least ten each (10) documented directly supervised cases.
3. Image guided procedures require that the results of the procedure and any complications
will be evaluated over a six month period, at which time the results will be compared with
the Radiologists.
Process
Improvement:
Participates in process improvement activities as required.
Reappointment:
Every two years through Medical Staff Services. Ongoing competencies to be determined by
at least two (2) attestations of competency, yearly evaluation and performance of at least five
(5) cases performed within reappointment cycle. Cases to be submitted at time of
reappointment.
I have received and read the above Scope of Practice for the Certified Radiology Practitioner Assistant. I understand and
agree to perform my duties as outlined in this checklist and scope.
Allied Health Practitioner
________________________________________
Signature
________________________
Date
________________________________________
Printed Name
Physician(s)
I have received and read the attached scope of practice for the Radiology Practitioner Assistant that I will be supervising.
I understand and agree to the requirements of supervision as outlined in the Medical Staff Bylaws, Rules and Regulations,
and the delineation of privileges.
________________________________________
Signature
________________________
Date
________________________________________
Printed Name
Radiology Committee: 03/23/11
Allied Health Committee: 03/23/11
Executive Committee: 04/07/11
Board: 04/14/2011
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