Rep. Lee Hawkins Applauds Signing of Legislation to Establish Licensure Framework for Radiologist Assistants

ATLANTA - State Representative Lee Hawkins (R- Gainesville), chairman of the House Health Committee, today announces that House Bill 571 was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp. Sponsored by Rep. Hawkins, HB 571 will allow for the licensing of radiologist assistants and give authority for licensing and regulation to the Georgia Composite Medical Board.

"Access to safe, reliable healthcare depends on clear standards, established framework and thoughtful oversight," said Chairman Hawkins. "By establishing a separate framework for radiologist assistants under the oversight of the board, this legislation will support improved standards of care and more efficient radiological services-particularly for patients undergoing time-sensitive medical imaging, such as those being evaluated or treated for cancer. Additionally, this legislation will allow us to continue to bolster our healthcare workforce in this state to better serve the needs of all Georgians."

HB 571 will place the licensing and regulation of radiologist assistants under the Georgia Composite Medical Board. Under this legislation, the board will establish a specialized framework for the licensure and continuing education of radiologist assistants and will have the authority to set requirements specific to radiologist assistants, including determining the number of continuing education hours required on a biennial basis, the subject areas in which those hours must be earned and which courses would be approved. This separate framework will be guided by an advisory committee appointed by the board and composed of at least one licensed radiologist, three licensed radiologist assistants and a consumer representative. Advisory committee members will provide guidance on licensure, rulemaking and professional standards for radiologist assistants, including, but not limited to, consulting with the board on the issuance, denial, suspension and revocation of licenses. Beginning July 1, 2026, no person will be permitted to engage in the scope of the practice as a radiologist assistant in Georgia without a valid license issued by the board.

The full text of HB 571 may be found here.

*Editor's note: A photo from the bill signing is included below.

Representative Lee Hawkins represents the citizens of District 27, which includes portions of Hall and Lumpkin counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and currently serves as Chairman of the Health Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health, Banks & Banking, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance, Regulated Industries and Rules committees, as well as the Special Committee on Healthcare. He also serves as an Ex-Officio member of the Public and Community Health Committee.

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