RTs performing venipuncture: a survey of state regulations

Venipuncture is an Essential component for nuclear medicine technologists and is expected to become an Essential for radiographers. A descriptive survey of radiation safety offices in the 50 states and the District of Columbia was conducted to determine which states license or certify nuclear medicine technologists, radiographers and/or radiation therapists and to identify specific statutory terminology relative to drug administration or venipuncture. Results showed only six states specifically addressed the issue of drug administration or venipuncture for radiographers and radiation therapists. With so few states addressing this issue, the question arises whether technologists who perform venipuncture or administer drugs are protected against litigation for performance of these procedures.