Medical Radiologic Technical Board of Examiners (MRTBE)

Revision Date: 
Thursday, June 14, 2018

AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

Arizona Department of Health Services- Bureau of Radiation Control

See also: Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency and Arizona Department of Health Services.

Authority

The Medical Radiologic Technical Board of Examiners (MRTBE) was established by Laws 1977, Chapter 145. Statutory authority was found at A.R.S. §§ 32-2801 et seq.

The MRTBE was transferred to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) in 2017. Legislation enacted in 2018 eliminated the MRTBE and provided for appointment of an advisory committee by ADHS. Current statutory authority is found at A.R.S. §§32-2801 et seq.

Administrative rules are found at A.A.C R9-7-101, et seq.

Function-abolished

The Medical Radiologic Technical Board of Examiners (MRTBE) was one of six divisions under the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency (ARRA). ARRA was established to protect public health and safety by regulating, inspecting and licensing the use and sources of radiation statewide. For more information on the functions and history of ARRA, refer to the ARRA history contained within this compilation.

MRTBE was established to protect people from excessive and improper exposure to medically applied ionizing radiation. MRTBE had statewide authority for licensing professionals practicing in various specialties of medical imaging and therapy using ionizing radiation. This included x-ray machines, nuclear medicine and mammography. MRTBE also investigated allegations against licensees; adjudicated complaints; provided information to the public; determined standards for approving schools of radiologic technology in Arizona; and administered certification examinations.

The director of ARRA served as the MRTBE’s chair, along with ten other Board members, appointed by the Governor. The other Board members included four practicing radiologic technologists, two public members, two licensed practitioners, one practical technologist in radiology, and one practicing nuclear medicine technologist.

History

Created by Laws 1964, Chapter 30, the precursor to ARRA was known as the Arizona Atomic Energy Commission (Commission). This Commission was responsible for adopting rules, regulations, and standards for the use and sources of atomic energy and ionizing radiation; conducting studies and disseminating information; and coordinating with other states and the federal government. Commission members were required to have education and training in the fields of radiology, pathology, medicine, or related sciences. The Commission was also responsible for inspecting x-ray machines and other medical radiologic equipment, but did not promulgate standards or issue licenses for radiologic technicians.

Laws 1977, Chapter 145 created the Medical Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners as a division of the Commission, since the Commission was already responsible for inspecting radiologic equipment. The purpose of the legislation was to establish standards of education, training, examination, and certification of x-ray technicians in order to protect Arizonans from the harmful effects of excessive and improper exposure to ionizing radiation. Powers and duties of the Board included setting standards and procedures for examination and certification, approving schools of radiologic technology, and determining hearing and discipline procedures. This law also created the State Radiologic Technologist Certification Fund.

Laws 1980, Chapter 206 abolished the Commission, and created the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency and the Radiation Regulatory Hearing Board, transferring duties, funds, personnel, records, equipment and contracts. MRTBE remained one of the divisions of the agency.

Laws 1988, Chapter 340 added sections defining unethical professional conduct. This law also granted MRTBE authority to enter public or private property to conduct inspections and compliance audits, but required providing 24-hour notice prior to the inspection.

Laws 1993, Chapter 110 added Title 32, Chapter 28, Article 4 covering mammography. This measure added a mammographic technologist certificate to the list of certificates issued by MRTBE, and outlined education and reporting requirements for practitioners and facilities.

Laws 1998, Chapter 32 removed the requirement for MRTBE to provide 24 hour notice prior to inspections and compliance audits.

Laws 2001, Chapter 321 made technical changes to revise and simplify statutory language, modified fees, reduced the time that a temporary license is valid and changed the designation of Title 32, Chapter 28, Article 2 from “Licensing” to “Certification.”

Laws 2002, Chapter 233 required certification for bone densitometry and nuclear medicine technologists and added a member to the Board.

Laws 2007, Chapter 65 authorized the MRTBE to issue nondisciplinary orders requiring a certificate or permit holder to complete a prescribed number of continuing education hours.

Laws 2008, Chapter 228 established a certification process for radiologist assistants, and outlined the requirements and scope of practice.

Laws 2017, Chapter 313 transferred the authority, powers, duties and responsibilities of several entities to the Arizona Department of Health Services; specifically, the MRTBE; the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency; and the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Hearing Board. The legislation provided for transfer of the following to ADHS: all administrative rules and orders; administrative matters, contracts, and judicial actions; certificates, licenses; registrations and permits; equipment, records, furnishings and other property; data and investigative findings; and obligations and appropriated monies that are unexpended or unencumbered. Personnel under the state personnel system were transferred to comparable positions and pay classifications.

Laws 2018, Chapter 234 eliminated MRTBE as a stand-alone board and required the DHS Director to appoint an advisory committee to assist with performing duties related to radiologic technologists. The qualification for membership and length of terms remained the same as previously prescribed for the MRTBE. Hearings and appeals will be conducted by the Office of Administrative Hearings as outlined in A.R.S. §§41-1092 through 41-1092.12.

Sources

  • Statutes
    • A.R.S. §§32-2801 et seq.
  • Session Laws
    • Laws 1964, Chapter 30
    • Laws 1977, Chapter 145
    • Laws 1980, Chapter 206
    • Laws 1988, Chapter 340
    • Laws 1993, Chapter 110
    • Laws 1998, Chapter 32
    • Laws 2001, Chapter 321
    • Laws 2002, Chapter 233
    • Laws 2007, Chapter 65
    • Laws 2008, Chapter 228
    • Laws 2017, Chapter 313
    • Laws 2018, Chapter 234

Performance Audit: Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency, Radiation Regulatory Hearing Board, and Medical Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners, Auditor General, Report No. 15-115 (2015).

Medical Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners, Auditor General, Performance Audit Report No. 96-4 (1996).

Senate Health and Welfare Committee Minutes, 33rd Legislature, 1st Regular Session, May 17, 1977

House of Representatives Health Committee Minutes, 33rd Legislature, 1st Regular Session, March 21, 1977

MRTBE Official website

Related Sources

Administrative rules for the MRTBE were originally codified under 12 A.A.C. 1. After the Arizona Department of Health Services assumed its responsibilities, the Rules were recodified at 24 Arizona Administrative Register 813 as Title 9, Chapter 7, Radiation Control, found at A.A.C. R9-7-101 et seq. and issued in Supplement 18-1. An additional correction was made by Supplement 18-2.

Related collections at Arizona State Archives

  • RG 13 Atomic Energy Commission
  • RG 14 Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency