SUPERVISION OF TECHNOLOGISTS WITH FLUOROSCOPY PERMITS
It is the responsibility of the X-ray Supervisor to ensure that all technologists under his/her
jurisdiction possess proper, up-to-date, and valid authorizations (meaning radiologic technologist
fluoroscopy permits) issued by the California State Department of Health Services.
Fluoroscopy: Title 17 defines fluoroscopy to mean "a radiological examination utilizing
fluorescence for the observation of the transient image."
Since there are restrictions as to the scope of a certificate or permit, it is the X-Ray
Supervisor and Operator responsibility to ascertain that no technologist works -out-of-scope
of his/her certificate and permit
Supervision: Supervision is defined as the responsibility for, and control of, radiation
protection and safety, including use of properly maintained and registered X-ray equipment,
the technologist’s performance, the use of state authorized technologists only, and
quality and technical aspects of all X-ray examinations and procedures.
Competence: It is the Fluoroscopy Supervisor and Operator’s responsibility to ensure
competence of all radiologic technologists under their jurisdiction, and comply with
all of the following: Know exactly which examination to make before
they make an exposure.
Clear the fluoroscopy room of all nonessential persons prior to generating X-rays.
Collimate the useful X-ray beam to the area of clinical interest
Use gonadal shielding, where appropriate and applicable.
Use correct technique factors - optimum kVp and lowest rnA possible for low dose fluoroscopy,
consistent with obtaining a diagnostic quality image.
Position the patient correctly for the requested examination before making the actual exposure.
Take steps to avoid patient motion by carefully instructing patient not to move, using appropriate
immobilization or positioning aids, and by keeping the patient comfortable and under
constant observation.
Definitions: "Direct supervision" means that the supervisor is observing the performance
of the technologist and can verbally instruct the technologist what to do or not to do.
"Indirect supervision" means that the supervisor is readily available for direct supervision.
"Positioning" means aligning the X-ray tube, anatomical part and image receptor for a specific
purpose.
Direct and Indirect Supervision Requirements: Under direct supervision, holders of technologist
fluoroscopy permit may use fluoroscopy equipment only as instructed by the supervisor for procedures
for which they have been specifically trained.
Under indirect, immediate and personal supervision, holders of technologist fluoroscopy permit
may use fluoroscopy equipment for spot filming or video recording procedures for which the
technologist has been specifically trained.
Technologist Performance and Restriction Requirements: Holders of technologist fluoroscopy permit
shall comply with all of the following: Perform all of the assigned duties correctly
and conscientiously.
Wear a lead apron and a personnel monitoring device outside the apron on the collar during
fluoroscopy.
Not hold either patient or image receptor during the exposure.
Follow standing orders and repeat spot film exposure policies.
Know what views are required and position patients correctly both for fluoroscopy and
spot film imaging.
Use optimum radiographic techniques.
Technologist Restrictions: Technologists who perform fluoroscopic procedures are prohibited
from the following: Performing fluoroscopic procedures without
a specific order from a supervisor.
Using fluoroscopic equipment without written standing orders and repeat spot film policies.
Making a diagnosis based on a fluoroscopy image or any radiograph.
Reporting any diagnosis to a patient unless specifically ordered by a licentiate of the
healing arts.
Technologist Fluoroscopy Clinical Instruction: The supervisor also has a responsibility to
offer a competency based, supervised clinical instruction and education which shall be completed
within one year following completion of the didactic instruction.