Temporary Medical Radiographer’s License – Scope of Practice
Now that you may have begun employment as a Temporary Medical Radiographer (Student Technologist) we want to
review with you a little information about your “Scope of Practice” according to the state of Nebraska Licensure
Law. The 2004 State of Nebraska Title 180 Chapter 16 of the Department of Health & Human Services Regulation
and Licensure Division on Licensure of Persons Performing Medical Radiography states:
“16-005.02 Temporary Medical Radiographer: A Temporary Medical Radiographer is permitted to
perform the duties of a Limited Radiographer licensed in the categories of 180 NAC 16-005.03, items 1.
through 6. (Chest, Extremities, Skull and Sinus, Spine, Ankle and Foot, and Abdomen).”
16-005.03 Limited Radiographer: A Limited Radiographer is permitted to apply radiation to limited
regions of the human anatomy for diagnostic purposes. The performance of radiographic procedures must
be at the request of, and for interpretation by, a licensed practitioner. These radiographic procedures
must not include computed tomography, the use of contrast media, the use of fluoroscopic or
mammographic equipment, and are limited to routine radiographic procedures…”
The regulations also state: “The Department may act to suspend or revoke an individual license for any one
or a combination of the following causes:
1. Knowingly causing a material misstatement or misrepresentation to be made in the application for a
license or renewal of such license if such misstatement would impair the Department’s ability to
evaluate the applicant’s qualifications or compliance with renewal requirements;
2. Willfully aiding another person in violating the Act or these regulations;
3. Violating the statute or regulations pertaining to the Act;
4. Performing procedures in Medical Radiography beyond the scope of practice pursuant to 180 NAC 16005;…”
So, to clarify a couple of important points:
 Temporary Medical Radiographers cannot use the C-arm or perform surgical procedures using the c-arm. They
CAN use a portable in surgery or on the floor, ER, etc.
 Temporary Medical Radiographers cannot perform any fluoroscopic procedure and/or any exam that utilizes
contrast media.
 Any Temporary Medical Radiographer (student technologist) who violates the scope of their practice could
have their license suspended or revoked. This also has SERIOUS implications for future licenses. It’s
possible that if your Temporary license is revoked, you may not be eligible to apply for a Medical Radiographer
License after graduation. If you’re planning on practicing in another state, it’s possible that if your license is
revoked in Nebraska, it can also be withheld by another state as well – in other words, without a license you
can’t be an RT!
 The ARRT MAY deny your application to take the registry IF the result of your not adhering to your scope of
practice in any way harmed a patient and if litigation is being pursued against your actions.
 Any other radiographer (Medical or Limited) who knows of another licensed individual (such as the Temporary
Radiographer) performing beyond the scope of their practice is “willfully aiding and abetting that individual & is
in violation of the rules and regulations and can also have their personal license suspended or revoked.”
 Any facility allowing anyone to practice beyond their scope is also in violation and is subject to fines and
penalties.
So…bottom line: So…don’t take the chance in having your license revoked and/or certification denied. It’s YOUR
responsibility to know the scope of your practice and remind technologists and employers of what you can and
cannot do. Because in the end, if you harm a patient because you were working OUTSIDE the scope of your
practice, YOU are the one ultimately responsible.