Code of Maryland Regulations
Title 10 - MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Part 4
Subtitle 32 - BOARD OF PHYSICIANS
Chapter 10.32.10 - Licensure of Radiation Therapists, Radiographers, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, and Radiation Therapists
Section 10.32.10.10 - Scope of Practice - Nuclear Medicine Technology
Universal Citation: MD Code Reg 10.32.10.10
Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 19, September 20, 2024
A. The scope of practice of nuclear medicine technology includes the following:
(1) Scope
of practice for diagnostic in-vivo procedures and in-vitro procedures which
includes:
(a) Analysis and correlation of
procedure request and clinical information provided by the referring physician
or patient, or both, for determination of appropriate exam, extent, and
scope;
(b) Evaluation of the
physical and emotional status of the patient with respect to the ability to
undergo the procedure requested;
(c) Immediate predose review of patient's
identification, prescribed dose quantity and route of administration, and
identification of the test agent designed to prevent dose
misadministration;
(d) Preparation
of the appropriate radiopharmaceutical with measurement of dose
activity;
(e) Administration of
appropriate diagnostic dose levels of radiopharmaceuticals;
(f) Administration of nonradioactive
pharmaceuticals utilized in conjunction with a nuclear medicine imaging or
in-vivo procedure, for example, cholecystokinin, furosemide, vitamin B12, in
accordance with hospital or facility procedures, excluding narcotic and
sedating medication;
(g) Selection
of appropriate imaging or test parameters, or both;
(h) Obtaining images according to established
protocols and any special views to optimize information as
appropriate;
(i) Placement of
patient in proper position using supportive materials and immobilizer as
necessary;
(j) Assuring appropriate
image labeling as to patient identification, position, and appropriate anatomic
land marks for each view;
(k)
Evaluation of images or data, or both, for technical quality;
(l) Recognition of unusual variances in the
images or data, or both, caused by instrumentation malfunction and initiating
appropriate action;
(m) Monitoring
of patient and equipment during procedure for determination and application of
any corrective actions necessary;
(n) Monitoring of data collection and
processing and performance of technical analysis of test results;
(o) Preparation and performance of laboratory
in-vivo nuclear medicine procedures, inclusive of the selection and operation
of laboratory counting equipment, performance of calculations and data
processing necessary for completion of lab procedures and the submission of
results to the physician or licensee;
(p) Oversight and application of image
development; and
(q) Performance of
in-vitro testing of serum, plasma, or other body fluids using radio
immunoassay, or similar ligand assay methods;
(2) Scope of practice for handling
radiopharmaceuticals which includes:
(a)
Preparation, by means of tagging, compounding, etc., in accordance with
manufacturer's specifications;
(b)
Measurement and calculation of activity of radionuclides with a dose
calibrator;
(c) Application of
radioactive decay calculations to determine required volume or unit form
necessary to deliver the prescribed radioactive dose; and
(d) Recording of radiopharmaceutical
information on a patient's permanent record;
(3) Scope of practice for radionuclide
therapy which includes:
(a) Assisting licensed
physician in the preparation and applications of therapeutic
radionuclides;
(b) Oversight of
radiation safety practices related to the handling and administration of
radiopharmaceuticals for therapy of patients;
(c) Management of transportation and handling
of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals;
(d) Calibration of therapeutic
radiopharmaceuticals for dose accuracy; and
(e) Radiation monitoring, decontamination,
disposal, and patient follow-up as appropriate and required;
(4) Scope of practice for
radiation safety which includes:
(a)
Maintenance of records of radioactive material receipt, use, storage, and
disposal in accordance with regulatory requirements;
(b) Oversight and enforcement of radiation
safety policies, practices, and regulations regarding the possession and use of
radioactive materials; and
(c)
Performance of radiation safety procedures such as radiation survey and wipe
testing of incoming radioactive shipments and facility fixtures;
(5) Operation of a hybrid nuclear
medicine/CT device for a nondiagnostic attenuation correction CT without
intravenous contrast
(a) Completed a
cross-sectional anatomy class which was part of an approved school's curriculum
or consisted of at least 3 continuing education credit hours; and
(b) Performed at least 10 routine head, 20
chest, 10 abdomen, and 10 additional studies of the abdomen or portions of the
abdomen; and
(6)
Performing any other duties that the Board determines may be performed by a
nuclear medicine technologist.
B. The scope of practice of a nuclear medicine technologist includes operation of a standalone CT or hybrid nuclear medicine/CT device for a diagnostic CT with or without intravenous contrast if the nuclear medicine technologist:
(1) Has
successfully passed the ARRT or NMTCB specialty exam for CT; and
(2) Administers contrast media after
consultation with, and under the supervision of, a physician who is immediately
and physically available.
C. In order to meet the eligibility requirements to sit for the ARRT or the NMTCB post-primary CT examination, a licensed nuclear medicine technologist may perform all procedures involving diagnostic CT with or without intravenous contrast only under the direct supervision of a:
(1) Licensed nuclear
medicine technologist with the postprimary CT credential;
(2) Licensed radiographer with the
post-primary CT credential; or
(3)
Licensed radiologist.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maryland may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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