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Re: Maine RCIS Legislation
Volume 21 - Issue 8 - August 2013
Dear Cath Lab Digest,
The cath lab is always evolving in technology and making giant strides all the time. Lives are being saved
due to new innovations and the people who are able to utilize them. In this era in the cath lab, the
registered cardiovascular invasive specialist (RCIS) credential is the only means of proving to your
employer and, most importantly, the patient, that you can measure up when they need it most. Since
there is not a state license for this credential, more and more states are recognizing it and changing their
regulations in the cath lab. Other states refuse to change. Is there room for non-RT, school-trained
invasive cardiovascular professionals in states like this? Not if things don’t change. We encourage
readers to click here to review the bill that was brought to legislation in Maine.
Current status:
On March 14, 2013, this legislation was voted “ought not to pass,” rejected in the face of intense
resistance, and filed. The bill will be re-evaluated this summer and resubmitted to legislation.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC)/Society of Cardiovascular Professionals (SICP) and
Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) must address the fact that the scope of practice for the
RCIS does allow the assistant to move the C-arm and alter the image. Since there is no state license for
cath lab professionals yet, the state should adhere to what the RCIS and school-trained cardiovascular
technologist stand for, and allow these professionals to work under their own set of standards. A stateissued license may be the answer if all else fails.
Contacts for the Maine legislators involved:
Ted Potter: [email protected] (207) 287-1500
Senator Justin Alfond: [email protected] (207) 828-0277
Historical note:
In May 9, 2005, another bill was presented to Maine legislation that also resulted in rejection. It was
entitled “An Act Regarding the Scope of Practice of Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialists.”
The author of this letter wished to remain anonymous.
An Act Concerning the Scope of Practice of Cardiovascular Technologists
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §9852, sub-§1-A is enacted to read:
1-A. Cardiovascular technologist. “Cardiovascular technologist” means a health professional who
performs diagnostic exams at the request of a licensed physician in invasive cardiology, noninvasive
cardiology and peripheral vascular study.
Sec. 2. 32 MRSA §9854, sub-§3, ¶C, as amended by PL 2005, c. 166, §1, is further amended to read:
C. A resident physician or a student enrolled in and attending a school or college of medicine,
osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, dentistry or radiologic technology or an individual who is
concurrently obtaining the education and clinical training required by the board by rule who applies
ionizing radiation to a human being while under the supervision of a licensed practitioner; or
Sec. 3. 32 MRSA §9854, sub-§3, ¶D, as enacted by PL 1983, c. 524, is amended to read:
D. Any person serving in the United States Armed Services or public health service or employed by the
Veterans’ Administration United States Department of Veterans Affairs or other federal agency
performing his that person’s official duties, provided that as long as the duties are limited to that service
or employment . ; or
Sec. 4. 32 MRSA §9854, sub-§3, ¶E is enacted to read:
E. An individual holding a degree in cardiovascular technology from an accredited institution approved
by the board who is working under the supervision of a licensed physician as a cardiovascular
technologist.
Summary
This bill exempts an individual holding a degree in cardiovascular technology from an accredited
institution approved by the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Radiologic Technology
Board of Examiners who is working under the supervision of a licensed physician as a cardiovascular
technologist from the licensing requirements for radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists and
radiation therapists.