We are initiating this petition in order to put an end of the encroachment into the professional turf of Radiologic Technologists by other individuals. RA 7431, the law that was passed in 1992 and regulates the practice of Radiologic Technology states under Section 3, that "Radiologic Technology" is an auxiliary branch of radiology which deals with the technical application of radiation, such as x-rays, beta rays, gamma rays, ultra sound and radio frequency rays, in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Patient and public safety is being compromised at the hands of individuals who are not authorized by law to perform the duties and functions of Board certified and licensed Radiologic Technologists. Also, this is to eliminate the rising competition between Radiologic Technologists and non-RTs in employment and learning opportunities.

We hereby claim all the occupations specified in RA 7431 which uses radiation, such as x-rays, beta rays, gamma rays, ultra sound and radio frequency rays, in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases like General Radiography, Ultrasound in all forms namely General Sonography, OB-Gyne, 2D echo, Doppler/Vascular, Computed Tomography, Positron Emission Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, Catheterization Laboratory Imaging and others.

We seek the support of everybody to this petition in order that only Radiologic Technologists, who are bona fide holders of a professional license for radiologic technology issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Radiologic Technology shall handle Radiologic Technology jobs which shall include any and all acts by which one renders, furnishes, or contracts to render or furnish professional services as provided in section 5 of R.A. 7431.

There are reports that many clinics and hospitals are employing non-RTs for Radiologic Technologist positions like licensed or unlicensed health care practitioners particularly nurses and medical technologists. In the Nuclear Medicine facilities for example, they employ purely Medical Technologists where Radiologic Technologists should be responsible for the diagnostic imaging chores. Even other individuals outside the paramedical field are freely working in the Radiologic Technology profession.

Furthermore, a number of centers in the Philippines are accepting non-RT enrollees to train in General ultrasound, 2D-echo, Doppler/vascular and other areas which are supposed to be limited to licensed Radiologic Technologists.

A Radiologic Technologist undergoes a four-year Bachelor of Science degree program designed to provide the individual the fundamentals and technical skills in the practice of Radiologic Technology, as well as instructions in each of the specified diagnostic imaging modalities that are defined in RA 7431.  This program includes an 11 month internship that allows the individual to apply the theories learned into practice.  Upon completion of this program, the individual is required to take and pass the Licensure examination given by the Professional Regulatory Commission before the individual can legally practice the profession.  Contrast this to non-RTs who receive a 2- or 3- month training before being employed to perform RT-related functions.

Aside from the danger this poses to the unknowing public, the Radiologic Technology profession itself is in danger. We, the Radiologic Technologists are being threatened. We are losing jobs to inadequately-trained and unlicensed individuals, and if we don’t end the illegal practice in Radiologic Technology now, sooner or later, we will lose our turf. The next generation of Radiologic Technologists will certainly suffer and they will be dislodged from employment opportunities in our own profession.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.  It is our sincere hope that you will take necessary and immediate action on this matter.