Scope Of Practice And Certification

(1) Scope of Practice - Any person who applies x-rays to human beings for diagnostic purposes in a podiatrist’s office in Tennessee must be certified by the Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners. (a) Only those individuals that are qualified by training and experience may obtain a certificate to practice as x-ray operators in a podiatrist’s office and must do so under the supervision of a duly licensed podiatrist. (b) Each person certified by the Board must practice only in the “foot/ankle” specialty area. Practicing radiography beyond the scope of certification is grounds for decertification. (c) Board issued certificates shall be posted in a location visible to all patients receiving radiographic examinations. (d) Certificates issued by the Board are subject to being disciplined for the same causes, to the same extent and pursuant to the same procedures as issued podiatry licenses. (e) Under no circumstances may a person certified pursuant to this chapter perform any procedure utilizing contrast media or any invasive radiological procedure. (2) Certification - Individuals desiring certification must submit a notarized application on a form prescribed by the Board. This application must have a recent photograph properly attached and must be accompanied by a non-refundable fee as provided in Rule 1155-03-.06. (a) The applicant must be at least eighteen (18) years of age; and (b) The applicant must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent and comply with either Rule 1155-03-.02 or 1155-03-.03; and (c) The applicant must be free from physical and mental impairment that interferes with the performance of duties or otherwise constitutes a hazard to the health or safety of patients. (d) An applicant shall cause to be submitted to the Board’s administrative office directly from the vendor identified in the Board’s certification application materials, the result of a criminal background check.