Radiologic technologists: venipuncture: direct supervision.

Assembly Member Chen's proposal to modify California's Radiologic Technology Act would allow physicians to supervise radiologic technologists performing venipuncture procedures either in person or through remote audio-visual communication. The legislation maintains existing requirements that radiologic technologists obtain certification and complete specific training before conducting venipuncture procedures in upper extremities.

Under the proposed changes, physicians supervising these procedures remotely must have access to patients' electronic medical records and the ability to intervene through standing orders or protocols. Healthcare facilities would need to establish safety protocols and maintain on-site personnel capable of responding to adverse events under a physician's direction. The bill preserves current training requirements, including completion of 10 hours of instruction covering anatomy, techniques, and safety measures, along with performing 10 supervised venipunctures before independent practice.

The measure retains limitations on radiologic technologists' scope of practice, continuing to prohibit arterial punctures, central venous access procedures, and intravenous line establishment. Nuclear medicine technologists operating dual-mode machines remain authorized to perform venipuncture under the existing framework. The amendment introduces no changes to enforcement mechanisms, with violations continuing to constitute misdemeanors under the Radiologic Technology Act.