Prohibits the denial of employment of an MRI technologist solely based on their lack of licensure and/or certification in x-ray or radiography

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to prohibiting the denial of employment of an MRI technologist solely based on their lack of licensure and/or certification in x-ray or radiography

Purpose

This bill would defines "magnetic resonance imaging technologist" and makes it unlawful to deny employment to any magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologist certified by a nationally recognized organization, as a magnetic imaging technologist, solely on the basis that he or she lacks licensure and/or certification in x-ray Or radiography.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of this bill provides a definition for "magnetic resonance imaging technologist".

Section 2 of this bill makes it unlawful to deny employment to any magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologist certified by a nationally recognized organization, as a magnetic imaging technologist, solely on the basis that he or she lacks licensure and/or certification in x-ray or radiography.

Section 3 of this bill provides for an immediate effective date.

Existing law

JUSTIFICATION : Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a technology used by physicians and hospitals that uses magnetic signals, rather than X-rays to create images of the human body. Unlike x-rays, MRI technologists do not use ionizing radiation, however, this distinction is often not clear to employers when seeking to hire magnetic resonance imaging technologists, often resulting in those certified by nationally recognized organizations in the field to be denied employment because they lack licensure and/or certification in x-ray or radiology. This in effect, has created a shortage of MRI technologists in many areas, and a lack of competition in the marketplace providing these services.

Fiscal implications

LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS : None.

Effective date

Immediately.