What is the Oregon Board of Medical Imaging (OBMI)?The Oregon Board of Medical Imaging has the authority to issue licenses and permits to medical imaging technologists and radiation therapists. With a mission to promote, preserve and protect the public health, safety and welfare of Oregonians who are undergoing medical imaging studies and radiation therapy performed by agency licensees the Board is dedicated to providing excellent service and support to the public, stakeholders, license and permit holders.
The Board is an ARRT designated Continuing Education (CE) approving body that evaluates more than two dozen applications each year for Oregon-based CE courses
The Board oversees continuing education requirements and the schools in Oregon that teach Limited X-ray Machine Operator (LXMO) courses.
Radiation safety is a primary concern for the Board of Medical Imaging. The OBMI has non-voting advisory members from Radiation Protection Services (RPS) and works closely with RPS to ensure the safety of patients undergoing medical imaging in Oregon
The Board has authority to promote legislation and adopt administrative rules and Board policies. Through the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) and Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR), the board has authority to discipline license or permit violations.
The Board approves a biennial budget for the Board’s Administrative office.
What are the demographics of the Board and how are Board members selected?The 12 Board members are comprised of four physicians, five licensees (one from each imaging modality) and three public members. All Board members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The Board members spend considerable time deliberating issues including policy, rule and procedure, reading materials pertaining to complicated technical investigatory cases and attending Board meetings.
How often does the Board meet?
The Board has an appointed Committee that meets quarterly to discuss all matters of Board business and then makes recommendations to the full Board that result from discussions during the Committee meeting. The full Board also meets quarterly approximately 2 weeks after the Committee meeting. Special Board meetings may be called when necessary.
Can the public attend the meetings?Yes! The public is encouraged and welcome to attend the public sessions of any Board meeting. The agenda are published on the OBMI website along with the meeting dates and other pertinent information such as rulemaking or public hearings regarding proposed rules.
What subjects are discussed at the Board meetings?The Board discusses a myriad of matters concerning the regulation of licensees and permittees in Oregon. Topics include: disciplinary issues (licensee and permittee violations of Oregon Administrative Rules and Oregon Revised Statutes), policy, rules, proposed rule amendments, legislation that relates to medical imaging, waiver requests and public commentary.How can I find out what was discussed at the meetings?Public session summaries are typically approved by the Board in the public session during the following Quarterly board meeting. The approved summaries can be found on our website.What is the role of OBMI Staff?The OBMI staff run the day to day business of the Board. The staff wear many hats and the following is a short list of what they do: The Investigator/Board Advisor investigates and compiles evidence and testimony for cases that arise from complaints and technical violations that are brought to the Board, advises the Board and Staff regarding medical imaging, reviews CE offerings and educates staff and the public regarding license and permit issues; the Administrative Specialist manages the over 6,100 licenses and permits, answers a multitude of questions from license and permit holders, educates and advises the public regarding medical imaging issues, manages the accounts receivable and payable and assists other staff; the Compliance Specialist manages the website and related issues regarding IT, maintains records, manages the background checks, manages the LEDS (Law Enforcement Data System) and assists other staff; the Executive Director oversees the agency, is the liaison between the Board and other State agencies including the Governor’s office, Legislature and Department of Justice, prepares materials for the meetings, drafts rules and policy and assists licensees and permittees with issues.
What are my license or permit fees paying for?A State agency is similar to a business in the private sector. There are costs to maintain that business in order to provide the services for the customers. In the case of the Board, the Licensees and Permittees are the customers. The Board serves the public of Oregon by regulating the Licensees and Permittees and ensures that the Board’s mission is upheld. The fees from licenses and permits issued by the Board support the agency’s costs for the services the agency provides to its license and permit holders, stakeholders and public. The following are agency costs for which fees provide revenue: Investigations of disciplinary cases, Licensure issuance, Continuing Education approval and monitoring, Legal support, Human Resources support, Legislative actions, compliance with State and Federal mandates, Administrative support and compensation for Board members.
What does the OBMI do for me?The Board provides licensees and permittees with information and support concerning renewal, obtaining initial licensure and adhering to the Oregon Administrative Rules and Oregon Revised Statutes. The Staff along with the technical expertise from the Board members, provide the licensees and permittees with a wealth of knowledge of the medical imaging profession and support for staying in compliance with industry standards and regulations. The Board maintains Category A Continuing Education offerings making Oregon one of eight states that offer approved CE required for medical imaging credentials. This enables the licensees to obtain required CE for National Credentials here in Oregon. The Board approves schools that allow the opportunity for the required education for obtaining a Limited X-Ray Machine Operator and Bone Densitometry Permit. The CE requirements for Permit holders is also approved by the Board. The Board approves and submits applications made by licensees and permittees for required National exams in order to practice in the field of medical imaging.
What is my responsibly as a License or Permit Holder?As a License or Permit holder from the OBMI, it is your duty and responsibility to understand and adhere to the Oregon Administrative Rules and Oregon Revised Statutes regarding the practice of medical imaging in Oregon.