My fellow Missourians,
I would like to inform you of something that has been and still is in effect in Missouri. Are you aware that anyone in Missouri can perform your medical imaging studies or administer radiation therapy treatments without any prior education? Yes, the individual who exposes you to radiation while you are having x-rays may be someone who has had no prior education or experience in minimizing radiation exposure to patients and others. Radiology services are of value to you, as the patient, and to your ordering provider when trying to diagnose your condition. However, if used incorrectly by untrained personnel, the radiation used to obtain these images or treat cancer can cause damage.
Missouri is one of only five states who currently do not have any standardized education for individuals who utilize ionizing radiation. We must provide quality and safety when we talk about the use of ionizing radiation. Why is that? Like most states, Missouri needs a state licensure that will ensure all Missourians to safe Radiology services.
There are many places in Missouri, mostly larger cities, who have a registered Radiologic Technologist who has had at the least two years of training, These professionals are aware of limiting the amount of radiation you are exposed to during your procedures. These are highly trained professionals who know the exposure parameters needed to acquire a quality imaging study, with the least amount of radiation to provide your physician with the information they need to help you. However, there are some places in Missouri, mostly in our rural settings, where the person who takes your insurance information may also be the person who takes your x-rays. This is not the quality images that are needed for the ordering provider to see what needs to be done for your treatment.
Having Radiology services where needed is key to high quality healthcare. I do not want to prohibit the rural areas from this great service. I want to make clear that even if you have some imaging studies done in your rural community you deserve to have these images performed by someone who is educated and competent to take these images. I know from experience, while growing up and living in a very rural communities, that Radiology services are an essential service, I provided such services myself as well as utilized them for my own family. I feel that education should be required for any personnel who are currently providing Radiology imaging, even in these rural areas. This education is already in place and available online.
As you have probably figured out, licensure for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals needs to be mandated by our legislators in Jefferson City. Our legislators have been slow in allowing a bill, which has been in the Capital for almost six years, to pass through. Many of our legislators feel this would be a detriment to allowing people to get into the field of Radiology, but have not voiced a concern about the harm that can be done if medical imaging is performed by individuals who are not properly educated. A bill is needed in Missouri which will allow safe and technically quality images to be produced. And the answer to this is education.
Our bill sponsor is aware of the importance of education in the medical field. Representative Kathy Swan is herself a healthcare professional, she knows the value of providing safe exams, especially where patient care comes into play. I challenge you to ask your legislators why they feel that Missouri patients do not deserve educationally prepared and clinically competent individuals providing radiology and radiation therapy services, regardless of where you live in Missouri. Radiology courses online can be done very easily, I feel this is the least we can do for all in Missouri.
If you are concerned about safe medical procedures while you or your loved ones need radiology or radiation therapy services in Missouri, please contact your state Senator and House representative. Ask them where their commitment lies; is it driven by the need to protect Missourians who need Radiology healthcare services? Healthcare is very personal but quality and safe procedures are vital to each of us.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Hutton, BA, RT(R) ARRT
Missouri citizen concerned with Radiology Healthcare
