Bill > S1133

This bill establishes a special task force to study and make recommendations on the optimal and safe use of computed tomography (CT), a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. The task force will be composed of members from the Senate and House of Representatives, including chairs of the joint committee on public health, the director of the Massachusetts radiation control program, and nine individuals appointed by the governor, representing radiologists with varying experience, CT technicians with different levels of experience and specialties, representatives from CT equipment manufacturing companies with expertise in imaging physics or protocol development, and a patient advocacy organization representative. This task force is charged with developing recommendations on CT scan dosages, providing guidance on radiation dose optimization to healthcare facilities and providers, designing a mandatory educational curriculum for staff on CT practices, evaluating certification and licensure requirements for professionals involved in CT scans, and proposing plans for innovation to reduce radiation exposure while maintaining image quality. The task force will also review guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and professional medical organizations, and is required to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the governor and legislative leaders by December 31, 2016, after which it will dissolve unless its term is extended.