37-14-102. Definitions. In this chapter, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Board" means the board of radiologic technologists provided for in 2-15-1738.

(2) "Department" means the department of labor and industry.

(3) "General supervision" means face-to-face communication, direction, observation, and evaluation by the radiologist at least monthly, with interim supervision occurring by other methods, such as telephonic, electronic, or written communication.

(4) "License" means an authorization issued by the department to perform x-ray procedures on persons.

(5) "Licensed practitioner" means a person licensed or otherwise authorized by law to practice medicine, dentistry, denturitry, dental hygiene, podiatry, osteopathy, or chiropractic.

(6) "Limited permit technician" means a person who does not qualify for the issuance of a license under the provisions of this chapter but who has demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the board, the capability of performing specified high-quality x-ray procedures without endangering public health and safety.

(7) "Performance of x-ray procedures" means the involvement or completion of any portion of an x-ray procedure that may have an effect on the patient's accumulated x-ray radiation exposure, including positioning of the patient, technique selection, selection of ancillary equipment, initiation of exposure, and darkroom procedures.

(8) "Permit" means an authorization that may be granted by the board to perform x-ray procedures on persons when the applicant's qualifications do not meet standards required for the issuance of a license.

(9) "Radiologic technologist" means a person, other than a licensed practitioner, who has qualified under the provisions of this chapter for the issuance of a license to perform diagnostic x-ray procedures on persons and who performs the following functions in connection with the diagnostic procedure:

(a) operates x-ray equipment to reveal the internal condition of patients for the diagnosis of fractures, diseases, and other injuries;

(b) prepares and positions patients for x-ray procedures;

(c) selects the proper radiographic technique for visualization of specific internal structures of the human body;

(d) selects the proper ancillary equipment to be used in the x-ray procedure to enhance the visualization of the desired structure;

(e) prepares film processing solutions and develops or processes the exposed x-ray film; and

(f) inspects, maintains, and performs minor repairs to x-ray equipment.

(10) "Radiologist" means a person who is licensed to practice medicine under Title 37, chapter 3, who is board eligible or board certified by the American board of radiology, and who resides and practices in Montana.

(11) "Radiologist assistant" means an advanced-level licensed radiologic technologist who works under the supervision of a radiologist to enhance patient care by assisting the radiologist in the diagnostic imaging environment.