In February, the Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals updated members regarding progress made to remove a regulatory burden preventing provision of team-based care in California cardiac cath labs during procedures involving fluoroscopy.
In October, 2015, the Radiologic Technology Certification Committee in California unanimously passed a motion allowing an individual under the direct and immediate supervision of the S&O to use an assistant in the real time movement of the patient under fluoroscopy... (A Step Forward for CVTs in California, ACVP Advocacy)
On April 13th, 2016, the Radiologic Technology Certification Committee (RTCC) of California met with an agenda item to clarify this motion. The amended motion reads:
An individual under the direct and immediate supervision of the S&O may assist the S&O in the real-time movement of the patient or equipment under fluoroscopy for purposes of re-centering to the area of clinical interest or for manipulating the patient for medical purposes necessitated by the procedure provided a CRT is present in the room and is managing the radiation exposure and X-ray equipment and that the assistant shall have training that includes training on the manipulation of the specific equipment and personal radiation protection, required to be established by the facility.
The motion must now work its way through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) before it is ratified into regulation, though it clearly reflects a willingness of the RTCC to support team-based care in California cath labs.
"This motion will support many allied health professionals who work with fluoroscopy under direct supervision of MDs with fluoro permits," says Liz Barrow, Cardiovascular Technology Program Director at Grossmont College in El Cajon, California.
The CDPH previously rescinded guidance on Title 17 regulations specifically prohibiting cardiovascular technicians from panning the x-ray table, indicating their openness to supporting the RTCC's motion.
"I am proud to say, we are almost finished with regulations that will protect the future of cardiovascular professionals," says Ed Pezanoski, RCIS. "Together, we are helping to protect and shape the future of cardiac care."
The Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals was proud to advocate on behalf of cardiovascular technicians in California and promote team-based care in the cardiac cath lab.
ACVP extends special thanks to Liz Barrow and Ed Pezanoski for their efforts as advocates.
It takes an active professional community to make a real difference. Members like Liz and Ed make ACVP a force for positive change in health care, and a more valuable resource for our members all over the United States.
You're not alone when you're a member of the Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals.
Or, read more about ACVP's efforts in California.
So much for the “team” concept explanation. In Washington, where I work, the CCI folks came to town and rammed legislation thru, tacked onto Rad tech legislation so they wouldn’t have to do it themselves, to allow RCIS techs to do what Rad tech have gone to school 2 yrs to do. The real problem is that the Cardiovascular Digest and cardiologists have pushed their credential as “The” credential for the Cath lab, which has resulted in Rad techs being replaced by RCIS techs in many hospitals. It seems Rad techs are being seen in Washington as another kind of Rad tech unfortunately. That leaves hospitals with little to no radiation protection supervision since neither the RCIS or Cardiologist has the amount of training (or cares about it) to protect themselves or their patients. I think the team concept they are talking about here is between RNs and RCIS techs. Who needs techs who have gone to school for 2yrs specializing in radiation to use radiation producing equipment? Certainly not the Cath lab.
Thank you for your comment, Steve.
In this particular case, the proposed motion is conditional: “provided a CRT is present in the room and is managing the radiation exposure and X-ray equipment…”
“Team-based care,” here, is absolutely inclusive of the rad tech.
All three typical cath lab team members—RNs, RTs and CVTs—bring specialized expertise and knowledge that contribute greatly to quality team-based care and excellent patient safety in the cath lab.
Well I think the RN’s better watch out – soon the RCIS ‘s will be pushing them out of the lab too – they can push meds.
Does anyone know if this legislation has been officially enacted? I’m looking online and can’t find it.