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Texas Medical Assistant Radiology Scope of Practice: Limited Scope Allowed

Medical Assistant Limited‑Scope Radiography in Texas

Under Texas Occupations Code §601.203 and 25 TAC §289.232, a certified medical assistant (MA) may perform limited‑scope radiographic procedures under direct physician supervision if:

Requirements

  1. Complete a Texas Medical Board‑approved training program (minimum 40 hrs didactic + 40 hrs clinical).
  2. Pass a competency examination (state or program‑administered).
  3. Register with the Texas Medical Board as a Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist (LMRT).
  4. Maintain current BLS certification.
  5. Work under direct supervision (physician physically present, immediately available).

Permitted Procedures (Typical)

  • Extremities (hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, foot, ankle, knee)
  • Chest (PA/lateral)
  • Abdomen (KUB)
  • Spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar – limited views)

Prohibited

  • Fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, mammography, interventional, contrast studies.
  • Independent operation; no portable / mobile radiography without physician on‑site.

Employer Responsibilities

  • Verify LMRT registration before allowing imaging.
  • Maintain radiation safety program (dosimetry, ALARA, QA).
  • Document supervision in medical record.

Non‑compliance risks administrative penalties, license action, and civil liability.

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