Bill > SB1121

This bill, concerning radiation protection in healthcare settings, allows hospitals performing cardiac catheterization procedures using real-time x-ray imaging to permit physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and other health professionals to forgo wearing lead aprons if the procedure room has a functioning radiation protection system, defined as shielding at least as effective as a 0.25 millimeter lead-equivalent apron, in use as per manufacturer instructions. However, if the hospital's radiation safety officer or their designee determines that staff radiation exposure might reach occupational dose limits, they can mandate the use of lead aprons, thyroid collars, or other protective gear. If a health professional opts out of wearing a lead apron due to the presence of a radiation protection system, the hospital must ensure they wear a real-time dosimeter to monitor their radiation exposure. This bill also clarifies that health professionals can still voluntarily choose to wear lead aprons even when a radiation protection system is in place.