# Washington State lets radiologist assistants do image-guided needle procedures only under a supervising radiologist, some with the radiologist in the room

Page: https://flyvolo.ai/en/changes/ev-20231220-radiologist-9
Date: 2023-12-20 · Stage: Constraint
Can this record move a task judgement? yes
Occupation: https://flyvolo.ai/en/careers/radiologist

## Scope

Washington State. The rule says a radiologist assistant may perform advanced diagnostic imaging procedures under the direction of a supervising radiologist, and sorts each procedure by the level of supervision it needs: thoracentesis and paracentesis with image guidance, joint injection and lumbar puncture under fluoroscopic guidance may be done under direct supervision; central line placement, dialysis catheter placement and breast needle localisation only under personal supervision (in the chapter's definitions, the supervising physician in the room). It also says a radiologist assistant's initial findings do not constitute diagnoses or interpretations. The current wording was filed on 20 December 2023 and took effect on 20 January 2024. It keeps image-guided procedures with a licensed radiologist or a certified assistant under one; it shows the work can be handed to another person, not to a machine, covers one state, and says nothing about robotic guidance.

## Source

- Washington State Legislature — WAC 246-926-300, Radiologist assistant scope of practice (WSR 24-02-007, filed 20 December 2023, effective 20 January 2024) — https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=246-926-300 (primary source)

## What this means

In Washington, needles placed under image guidance go in by a radiologist's hand or under a radiologist's direct or in-room supervision.

## What it does not show yet

It shows the work can pass to another trained person, not to a machine, and covers one state.

## How to verify it yourself

Open WAC 246-926-300 on the Washington State Legislature site and find "Thoracentesis and paracentesis with appropriate image guidance".


More: https://flyvolo.ai/llms.txt