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

Georgia law previously had a definition of 'radiologist assistant' but no formal licensing system for the role. House Bill 571 repeals that old definition and instead creates a full licensing structure for radiologist assistants, who are advanced radiologic technologists that assist radiologists with certain imaging and invasive procedures under supervision. The bill sets qualification requirements (age 21+, national certification, registration with recognized radiology credentialing bodies), creates a two-year renewable license with continuing education requirements, and bars anyone from calling themselves a radiologist assistant or practicing in that role without a license after July 1, 2026. People already working as radiologist assistants can keep practicing while they apply for a license. The Georgia Composite Medical Board gets authority to set rules, issue and discipline licenses, and appoint an advisory committee of radiologists, radiologist assistants, and a consumer representative. The law takes effect once the Governor signs it or it becomes law without his signature.

• Creates a new licensing system for radiologist assistants under the Georgia Composite Medical Board, replacing the old bare definition of the role.
• Requires applicants to be at least 21, hold specific national radiology certifications, and pay required fees before the board issues a license.
• Makes it illegal after July 1, 2026 to practice as, or call yourself, a radiologist assistant without a board-issued license.
• Lets currently employed radiologist assistants keep working legally while their license application is pending, if they notify the board.
• Adds radiologist assistants to the list of professions subject to the board's biennial continuing education requirements.
• Creates a five-member advisory committee, including radiologists, radiologist assistants, and a consumer representative, to advise the board on licensing and rules.

Radiologist assistants currently working in Georgia, people seeking to enter that profession, radiologists who supervise them, hospitals and imaging centers that employ them, and the Georgia Composite Medical Board, which will administer the new licensing and disciplinary process.

Once the law takes effect, radiologist assistants in Georgia will need a state license to keep working, with ongoing education requirements and board oversight. This formalizes a role that assists with imaging procedures, potentially affecting staffing and training at hospitals and radiology practices statewide.

• Section 1 adds radiologist assistants to the professions subject to the board's continuing education rules under O.C.G.A. § 43-34-11.
• Section 2 repeals the old Code Section 43-34-12 that simply defined 'radiologist assistant' without a licensing framework.
• Section 3 creates new Article 13 ('Radiologist Assistant Act'), defining key terms and setting licensure qualifications in Code Section 43-34-332, including age, certification, and registration requirements.
• Code Section 43-34-333 sets a two-year renewable license term, continuing education rules, and procedures for restoring expired or inactive licenses.
• Code Section 43-34-334 bans unlicensed practice or use of the title 'radiologist assistant' starting July 1, 2026, but grandfathers in currently employed assistants who apply for licensure.
• Code Section 43-34-335 limits radiologist assistants from interpreting images, making diagnoses, or prescribing medications or therapies.
• Code Section 43-34-337 creates a five-member advisory committee including at least one radiologist, three radiologist assistants, and one consumer representative.
• Section 4 makes the Act effective upon the Governor's signature or upon becoming law without signature.

1. 2026-05-05Effective Date 2026-05-05
2. 2026-05-05Act 404
3. 2026-05-05House Date Signed by Governor (Cámara de Representantes)
4. 2026-04-06House Sent to Governor (Cámara de Representantes)
5. 2026-03-18House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub (Cámara de Representantes)
6. 2026-02-25Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute (Senado)
7. 2026-02-25Senate Third Read (Senado)
8. 2026-01-29Senate Read Second Time (Senado)

• Lee Hawkins (R, HD-027)Patrocinador principal
• Rick Jasperse (R, HD-011)
• Katie Dempsey (R, HD-013)
• Mack Jackson (D, HD-128)
• Deborah Silcox (R, HD-053)
• Darlene Taylor (R, HD-173)
• John Albers (R, SD-056)

1. AprobadaVotación: Cámara de Representantes6 de marzo de 2025

   162 a favor, 11 en contra (5 sin votar, 2 ausentes)

   Passage: House Vote #236

2. AprobadaVotación: Senado25 de febrero de 2026

   51 a favor, 2 en contra (1 sin votar, 1 ausentes)

   Passage By Substitute: Senate Vote #581

3. AprobadaVotación: Cámara de Representantes18 de marzo de 2026

   164 a favor, 2 en contra (3 sin votar, 7 ausentes)

   Agree To Senate Substitute: House Vote #714

• medical licensing
• radiology
• health care workers
• professional regulation