Fluoroscopy: temporary permit.

The Radiologic Technology Act makes it unlawful for any licentiate of the healing arts to administer or use diagnostic, mammographic, or therapeutic x-ray on human beings in this state, unless that person is certified by the State Department of Public Health and acting within the scope of that certification. The act requires the department to prescribe minimum qualifications for granting a fluoroscopy permit and continuing education requirements for the holders of that permit. A person who violates a provision of the Radiologic Technology Act or regulation of the department adopted pursuant to that act is guilty of a misdemeanor. This bill would, notwithstanding those requirements, authorize the department to issue a physician and surgeon or a doctor of podiatric medicine a one-time, nonrenewable, temporary permit to operate, or supervise the operation of, fluoroscopic x-ray equipment if the physician and surgeon or the doctor of podiatric medicine meets specified criteria, including attesting under penalty of perjury of having at least 40 hours of experience using that equipment while not subject to the act. By expanding the scope of the crime of perjury, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would require the temporary permit to convey the same rights as a fluoroscopy permit for the period for which it is issued, in the classification for which the physician and surgeon or the doctor of podiatric medicine is eligible. The temporary permit would be valid for up to 12 months from the date of issue. Under the bill, the fee for the temporary permit would be $58, which the department would be authorized to revise under specified conditions. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.