BILL ANALYSIS
AB 356
Page 1
Date of Hearing: May 13, 2009
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Kevin De Leon, Chair
AB 356 (Fletcher) - As Amended: April 23, 2009
Policy Committee: HealthVote: 16-0
Business & Professions 10-0
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program:
No Reimbursable:
SUMMARY
This bill authorizes a physician and surgeon to delegate
procedures using fluoroscopy to a licensed physician assistant
(PA) if the PA completes 40 hours of total coursework, including
radiation safety and protection approved by the California
Department of Public Health (DPH).
FISCAL EFFECT
Absorbable workload to DPH to continue oversight of diagnostic
imaging professional proficiency.
COMMENTS
1)Rationale . This bill is sponsored by the California
Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) to allow PAs to
conduct fluoroscopy procedures under the supervision of a
physician and after completing training. Fluoroscopy imaging
obtains real-time moving images of the internal structures of
a patient via an x-ray and fluorescent screens between which a
patient is placed. Computers and video equipment allow images
to be displayed. Under current law, PAs are allowed to provide
medical services they are deemed competent to perform, as
determined by a supervising physician and consistent with
their education, training, and experience. This bill adds
fluoroscopy to the services which a supervising physician may
authorize for a PA.
2)Background . The DPH enforces laws and regulations related to
radiological equipment to protect the public, radiation
workers, and the environment. The DPH is responsible for
AB 356
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administering a radiation control program, including licensing
of radioactive materials, registration of x-ray-producing
machines, certification of medical and industrial x-ray and
radioactive material users, inspection of facilities using
radiation, investigation of radiation incidents, and
surveillance of radioactive contamination in the environment.
Analysis Prepared by : Mary Ader / APPR. / (916) 319-2081