(A) Except as provided in division (C) of this section, a general x-ray machine operator may perform radiologic procedures only if a physician, podiatrist, mechanotherapist, or chiropractor is providing direct supervision. Direct supervision does not require the practitioner to observe each radiologic procedure performed by the operator, but does require that the practitioner be present at the location where the operator is performing radiologic procedures for purposes of consulting with and directing the operator while performing the procedures. A practitioner supervising a general x-ray machine operator may authorize the operator to perform only those radiologic procedures that are within the practitioner’s scope of practice as determined by the laws under which the practitioner is authorized to practice.

Terms Used In Ohio Code 4773.06

  • Chiropractor: means an individual licensed under Chapter 4734 of the Revised Code to practice chiropractic. See Ohio Code 4773.01
  • General x-ray machine operator: means an individual who operates ionizing radiation-generating equipment in order to perform standard radiology procedures; whose performance of such procedures is limited to specific body sites; and who does not, to any significant degree, determine procedure positioning or the dosage of radiation to which a patient is exposed. See Ohio Code 4773.01
  • Mechanotherapist: means an individual who holds a certificate issued under section 4731. See Ohio Code 4773.01
  • Nuclear medicine technologist: means an individual who does all of the following:

    (1) Prepares and administers radio-pharmaceuticals to human beings;

    (2) Conducts in vivo or in vitro detection and measurement of radioactivity for medical purposes;

    (3) Documents orders for radio-pharmaceuticals in patient medical records. See Ohio Code 4773.01

  • Physician: means an individual authorized under Chapter 4731 of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery. See Ohio Code 4773.01
  • Podiatrist: means an individual authorized under Chapter 4731 of the Revised Code to practice podiatric medicine and surgery. See Ohio Code 4773.01
  • Radiation therapy technologist: means an individual who utilizes ionizing radiation-generating equipment, including therapy simulator radiation-generating equipment, for therapeutic purposes on human beings. See Ohio Code 4773.01
  • Radiographer: means an individual who does all of the following in order to perform a comprehensive scope of radiology procedures on human beings:

    (1) Operates ionizing radiation-generating equipment;

    (2) Administers contrast;

    (3) Documents orders for contrast in patient medical records;

    (4) Determines procedure positioning;

    (5) Determines the dosage of ionizing radiation. See Ohio Code 4773.01

(B) A radiographer, radiation therapy technologist, or nuclear medicine technologist may perform radiologic procedures only if a physician is providing general supervision. General supervision does not require the physician to observe each radiologic procedure performed or to be present at the location where the procedure is being performed, but does require that the physician be readily available for purposes of consulting with and directing the individual while performing the procedures.

(C) A general x-ray machine operator who is licensed under Chapter 4723 of the Revised Code to practice as a registered nurse and is providing occupational health nursing services in an industrial workplace may perform radiologic procedures under a physician’s general supervision, as described in division (B) of this section.