The American College of Radiology (ACR) Association has launched what it calls the Scope of Practice (SOP) Fund to resist the encroachment of nonphysician healthcare providers in radiology.
The fund will "safeguard patients and patient access to radiologist expertise by fighting state and federal nonphysician SOP expansion legislation," the ACR said. Furthermore, it "will be used in conjunction with state radiological societies to proactively educate lawmakers and counter future scope threats to patient safety." Its initial funding is $225,000.
The use of physician extenders has increased, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the ACR. The SOP fund is being organized in response to increased activity from various organizations to expand the scope of advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants (PAs), the college said.
"Increased PA and NP [nurse practitioner] scope of practice and autonomy may impact care and limit patient access to radiologists and radiologist-led teams," said Dr. Howard Fleishon, chair of the ACR's board of chancellors, in a statement released by the college. "PAs and NPs do not have comparable training, competence, or experience. They should not independently supervise or interpret imaging exams."
