New York Priority Legislation
Oppose Limited Scope Radiographer in Urgent Care Settings
Establishment of Limited-Scope Radiographers in the Urgent Care Setting
The New York State Radiological Society is opposed to A2685, Tapia/ S684, Martinez, which would establish limited-scope radiographers in the urgent care setting. This legislation would authorize individuals licensed as limited-scope radiographers to practice radiography at urgent care centers under direct supervision by a licensed practitioner. The Society is primarily concerned that this legislation will compromise patient safety in urgent care settings by allowing individuals who lack sufficient training to position patients and apply radiation to obtain X-ray images.
Comparison of radiologic technologist and limited scope radiographer as proposed in A2685/S684:
Oppose Physician Assistant Independent Practice
The New York State Radiological Society (NYSRS) opposes A7988, Paulin/S7981, Rivera and A5130, Solages which would remove the requirement of physician supervision of physician assistants (PAs) in New York State. A7988/S7981 would authorize PAs to practice independently if they have 6,000 hours of experience and are practicing in a hospital or primary care setting. A5130 would broadly grant PAs independent practice after 3,600 hours of experience. While they are an integral part of the healthcare team, allowing them to practice independently would adversely impact patients by removing the important oversight and coordination role which a trained physician plays in overseeing a patient’s care.
Comparison of physician assistant and physician training:
Support Insurance Coverage for Follow Up Lung Screening/Diagnostic Imaging
Relates to mandatory health insurance coverage for follow-up screening or diagnostic services for lung cancer
The New York State Radiological Society (NYSRS) strongly supports the enactment of S2000, Addabbo/A1195, Peoples Stokes, which would require health insurance coverage of follow up screening or diagnostic services for lung cancer. The legislation stipulates that no patient cost sharing shall be imposed for these services. Access to these services is critical in enhancing early detection and treatment of lung cancer, thereby improving survival rates and addressing health disparities among New Yorkers.
Support Prohibiting Non-Compete Clauses in Employment Contracts
An act to amend the labor law, in relation to prohibiting non-compete agreements and certain restrictive covenants.
The New York State Radiological Society strongly supports S4641-A, which would prohibit the use of non-compete agreements in employment contracts in New York State. Importantly, this bill would apply to all medical professionals, regardless of income level.
Non-compete agreements have far-reaching impacts on both physicians and the quality of care of patients in our state. Restrictive covenants can be especially problematic for residents, fellows, and young physicians by limiting their opportunities for career advancement and restricting their ability to provide care in underserved communities. We believe that this legislation would continue recent efforts by New York State focused on the recruitment and retention of medical professionals.
Oppose Wrongful Death Expansion
This bill would amend the estates, powers, and trusts law to authorize an award in a wrongful death action to include compensation for grief or anguish, the loss of love or companionship, loss of services and support, and the loss of nurture and guidance. Furthermore, this bill would allow a claim to be filed up to three years after the decedent’s death.
This bill will vastly increase the amount of recoverable damages in these cases and dramatically increase liability insurance premiums which are already the highest in the nation.
Oppose Practice of Fluoroscopy by Physician Assistants
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the use of fluoroscopy by physician assistants.
The New York State Radiological Society has significant patient safety concerns with S352, Rivera to allow a Physician Assistant (PA) to independently engage in the use of fluoroscopy for guidance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
The Society is opposed to this legislation as written because it is missing critical patient safety standards based on ACR-AAPM technical standards including: 1) Direct supervision (physician in the department); and 2) Adequate clinical standards during training.
This legislation, if adopted, will provide a lower standard for training of PAs in fluoroscopy in New York State than that required for radiology residents.
ADVOCACY LINKS
Radiology Advocacy Network and RADPAC
ACR State Legislative Issue Tracking
MSSNY Grassroots Action Center
Hear From Your New York State Radiologists:
NYSRS Video Gallery
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