What are the limits of practice regarding prescribing radiologic procedures?

• A. MRTs may prescribe radiologic procedures under supervision.
• B. MRTs perform imaging as directed by physicians and within the scope of practice; they may not prescribe or diagnose.
• C. MRTs can diagnose illnesses from imaging.
• D. MRTs can independently order imaging tests.

Answer: (B)

Prescribing radiologic procedures is not within a radiologic technologist’s scope of practice. The core duty is to perform imaging as directed by a physician and to operate within established protocols and safety standards. They do not have prescriptive authority and they do not diagnose; interpretation and medical decision-making about the need for imaging come from physicians or radiologists. In real practice, a physician orders the imaging, the technologist carries out the exam, and the radiologist or physician interprets the results. So the best description is that MRTs perform imaging as directed by physicians and within the scope of practice; they may not prescribe or diagnose.