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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.