Radiologic Technologist Advisory Board
Questions and Answers on Continued Competency Activity for Radiologic Technologist-Limited

1. When must I have the required number of continued competency activity completed in order to renew my license?

With the renewal of licensure in 2005. You will be required to sign a certification on your renewal form in 2005 that you have completed 12 hours of continued competency activities. Falsification on the renewal form is a violation of law and may subject you to disciplinary action.

2. Am I required to send in evidence of my continued competency activity hours at the time I renew?

No. The Board will randomly select licensees for a post-renewal audit. If selected, you would be notified by mail that documentation is required and given a time frame within which to comply.

3. When do the continuing competency requirements begin?

Regulations became effective on June 6, 2001. Hours must be obtained within the two years immediately preceding renewal in 2005. You may not include hours obtained prior to January 1, 2003 nor may you carry over excess hours to the following biennium.

4. Who maintains the required documents for verification continued competency activities?

It is the radiologic technologist-limited’s responsibility to maintain the certificates and any other continued competency forms or records for four years following renewal in 2005 and thereafter. Do not send any forms or documents to the Board of Medicine unless requested to do so.

5. What are “Category A” hours?

Category A hours (12 each biennium that correspond to the anatomical areas in which the limited licensee practices) are those activities that are recognized by the ARRT as Category A or by any other entity approved the board for limited licensees whose scope of practice is podiatry. ARRT defines Category A hours as those offered by one of the following recognized CE evaluation mechanisms: American College of Radiology, American Healthcare Radiology Administrators, American Society of Radiologic Technologists, Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists, Society of Diagnostic medical Sonography, Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologist Section and Society of Vascular Technology. Some activities that are not recognized CE evaluation mechanisms that qualify as Category A are: activities meeting ARRT’s definition of an Approved Academic Course, CPR activities relevant to the radiologic sciences and/or patient care that have been approved the American Medical Association (AMA Category1) or the American Nurses Association (ANA) or through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). A contact hour is defined as being equal to 50 to 60 minutes.

6. Where do I obtain the regulations and requirements for continuing competency requirements?

Regulations may be downloaded from the website under Medicine Laws and Regulations.

7. What if I am newly licensed during the 2003-2005 biennial? Do I still have to obtain the full 12 hours of continued competency?

No. There is an exemption for the first biennial renewal following the date of initial licensure in Virginia.

8. What if I become ill or incapacitated and unable to complete my continued competency requirements prior to renewal?

Upon written request from the radiologic technologist-limited prior to the renewal date explaining the circumstances, the Board may grant an extension or exemption for all or part of the required hours.

9. What if I am now retired and don’t want to obtain continuing competency hours but don’t want to give up my license?

You may request an inactive license from the Board, beginning with your next renewal. It is important to note that holding an inactive license does not authorize anyone to engage in the practice of radiologic technology in Virginia. If you intend to practice at all in Virginia, even on a part-time or non-compensatory basis, you must retain your active license. (Exception pursuant to Virginia code 54.1-2956.8:1 – The provision of this section shall not apply to any employee of a hospital licensed pursuant to Article 1 (section 32.1-123 et seq.) of Chapter 5 of Title 32.1 acting within the scope of his employment or engagement as a radiologic technologist.)

10. What if I take inactive licensure status and later decide to reactivate?

A licensee with an inactive license shall pay a fee equal to the difference between the current renewal fee for inactive licensure and the renewal fee for active licensure and verify that he has completed continuing education hours equal to those required for the period in which he held an inactive license in Virginia, not to exceed one biennium.