Radiologic technologists: venipuncture: direct supervision.

Assembly Member Chen's proposal to modernize supervision requirements for radiologic technologists performing venipuncture procedures would allow supervising physicians to oversee procedures either in person or through audio-video communication systems. The legislation modifies California's Health and Safety Code to permit remote supervision when physicians have access to patients' electronic medical records and can intervene through established protocols.

The measure maintains existing training requirements for radiologic technologists, including completion of 10 hours of specialized instruction and performance of at least 10 supervised venipunctures before independent practice. Facilities must implement safety protocols and maintain onsite personnel licensed to respond to adverse events under physician direction. The authorization continues to exclude arterial punctures, central venous access procedures, and intravenous line establishment.

Medical facilities operating under these provisions must document technologist competency and ensure compliance with supervision standards. Radiologic technologists certified before January 2013 remain exempt from repeating training requirements if facilities verify their procedural competence. The measure preserves the current scope of practice for nuclear medicine technologists, limiting their venipuncture authority to procedures using dual-mode computed tomography machines.