HB 571: Professions and businesses; licensing of radiologist assistants; provide

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Discussed in meetings (8)

The House and Senate meetings that took this bill up, from their machine transcripts. Each account was written by Georgia Commons with AI and is not part of the record; the video is what was said.

1. Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee, January 27, 2026

   From 0:13:22 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The sponsor said the bill would license radiologist assistants under Composite Medical Board oversight to address radiologist shortages and diagnostic delays. The sponsor described a negotiated substitute allowing noninvasive work under general supervision, with the board able to restrict activities. One committee member questioned whether another license would create workforce barriers, whether the board could act without legislation, and why supervision would differ from physician assistants and advanced nurses. The sponsor said hospitals were reluctant to employ assistants without legal recognition, the board preferred legislation, and existing radiology technologists would not be affected. The sponsor distinguished noninvasive work from invasive procedures requiring direct supervision. A witness for the Association of Radiologic Technologists said 32 states license these assistants and described the license as a career path that would help radiologists spend more time interpreting studies. Asked about reimbursement, the witness said assistants could not bill independently and agreed that the change would not increase patient costs on that basis. After discussing application timing, the committee unanimously adopted an amendment replacing January dates with July 2026 and changing an application provision from “until” to “on or after.” The committee unanimously recommended passage of the substitute as amended.

2. Senate Rules Committee, February 19, 2026

   From 0:14:51 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The sponsor said HB 571 would license radiologist assistants and establish their educational requirements. The sponsor said assistants already work in Georgia but lack state recognition and licensing, and that some hospitals will not hire them for that reason. The sponsor said the bill was developed with the medical board and would expand the workforce, allowing patients to receive results and care sooner. One committee member asked whether the bill would improve efficiency. The sponsor emphasized removing the licensing barrier to hiring. A second member asked whether it would also give radiology technicians a path to further training and career advancement. The sponsor agreed. No vote followed, and the bill was not included in the approved calendar.

3. Senate Rules Committee, February 20, 2026

   From 0:13:01 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel

   Summary by Georgia Commons: A senator presenting HB 571 said licensing radiological assistants would help establish career paths and bring those workers into hospitals. The presenter also said the Senate president pro tempore supported the bill despite generally opposing new licensing requirements. No substantive questions or calendar action followed.

4. Senate Rules Committee, February 24, 2026

   From 0:21:11 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The presenter said the bill would establish certification for radiologist assistants so they could work in hospitals and have a career path. The presenter described the change as urgently needed. No substantive questions followed. Later, a member selected the bill for the next day's floor calendar. The committee unanimously approved that selection together with SB 116 and SB 433.

5. Senate floor session, February 25, 2026 (legislative day 24)

   From 2:00:39 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel · Confirmed by the bill's status history (Senate Third Read)

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The presenting senator said HB 571 would establish separate licensing for radiologist assistants under the Georgia Composite Medical Board, including national certification, continuing education, supervision standards and protection against use of the title without a license. The senator said assistants already work in Georgia but lack a clear statewide licensing structure. The senator said the bill would clarify responsibilities rather than expand authority, with assistants continuing to work under radiologists. The senator argued that clearer standards would protect patients and help imaging services operate more efficiently. No questions or opposing speeches followed. The Senate adopted the committee substitute without objection and passed the bill by 51 to 2.

6. House floor session, March 18, 2026 (legislative day 33)

   From 2:24:57 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel · Confirmed by the bill's status history (House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub)

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The sponsor asked the House to agree to the Senate substitute for HB 571. The sponsor said the bill would license radiologist assistants, whose additional training would allow work beyond that of technicians and help speed reports and treatment, especially for cancer patients. The sponsor said the Senate changes concerned application and licensing dates. With no questions, the House agreed to the Senate substitute, 164 to 2.

• Read aloud: Senate floor session, January 28, 2026 (legislative day 8), 0:28:53
• Read aloud: Senate floor session, January 29, 2026 (legislative day 9), 0:46:26

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