title: Assessing radiologist assistant supervision levels in Florida.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  As radiologist assistants (RAs) become more prevalent in the radiology work force, it is important to re-evaluate how they practice and are supervised.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the impact of RA supervision levels on clinical practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  A survey was conducted to evaluate whether a random sample of radiologists in Florida would recommend changes to the current levels of supervision required for advanced-practice technologists. The survey form solicited radiologists' opinions concerning practice activities an advanced-practice radiographer would perform and the appropriate supervision levels for each of those activities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Reduced levels of supervision were recommended by the respondents for 62.5% of the changes to procedures overall, although the responses varied considerably across the procedures. Recommendations for change were more likely when the radiologist had experience working with a physician extender and for supervision of certain types of procedures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study revealed that as more experience is gained working with RAs, radiologists increasingly are supportive of lowering supervision levels.
authors.affiliation: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ludwig
authors.forename: Beth A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Torsiello
authors.forename: William Blaine B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Norton
mesh_terms: D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003625:Data Collection; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005431:Florida; D006268:Health Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D007857:Leadership; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011871:Radiology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000078329:Workforce