641—42.7 (136C) Specific requirements for podiatric radiographers.
	 42.7(1) Training requirements. Any person wishing to operate radiation-emitting equipment for purposes of podiatric radiography shall:
	  a.   	 Complete an approved program or course of study that includes the following:
	 (1) 	 Didactic training in podiatric radiological practices including radiation health, safety, and physics, lower extremity anatomy and physiology, positioning techniques, infection control, and equipment maintenance with efficiencies to minimize radiation exposure and frequency of retakes. The didactic training shall be at least 15 hours in length; and
	 (2) 	 A radiographic clinical program sufficient to demonstrate proficiency to a podiatric sponsor. Training shall:
	  1. 	 Include equipment maintenance, exposures and positioning, image processing, image evaluation for quality, and display and storage of radiographic images;
	  2. 	 Include at least 50 total exposures. Exposures must be taken in at least 20 working days in a podiatric office or clinic;
	  3. 	 Be directly supervised by a podiatrist, general radiographer, or certified podiatric radiographer; and
	  4. 	 Not be started until notification of the desire to conduct a clinical training program has been submitted to this agency and verification of approval has been received by the podiatric sponsor; and
	 (3) 	 Upon completion of the training in 42.7(1)“a,” submit a form signed by the clinical podiatric sponsor certifying completion of and competency of 42.7(1)“a”(2); and
	  b.   	 Pass a written examination approved by this agency; or
	  c.   	 Meet the requirements of this rule after submission of proof that the individual holds a current certificate in podiatric radiography issued by another state, jurisdiction, agency or recognized professional registry provided that the agency finds that the standards, procedures, and examinations are equivalent to 641—42.7(136C).
	 42.7(2) Examination.
	  a.   	 The examination shall be given by an agency-approved entity and proctored by appropriate personnel.
	  b.   	 The passing score shall be 70 percent or greater.
	  c.   	 Any individual who fails the examination in three tries must successfully repeat the didactic portion of the training program before testing again.
	 42.7(3) Exemptions.
	  a.   	 Students enrolled and participating in an approved course of clinical study for podiatric radiographers or an approved school of medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry who, as part of their course of study, may apply ionizing radiation to a human being while under the supervision of a licensed practitioner.
	  b.   	 Licensed practitioners as defined in 641—Chapter 38.
	 42.7(4) Application for certification. Any individual seeking certification under rule 641—42.7(136C) shall:
	  a.   	 Graduate from high school or its equivalent;
	  b.   	 Be at least 18 years of age;
	  c.   	 Be able to adequately perform necessary duties without constituting a hazard to the health and safety of patients or operators;
	  d.   	 Satisfactorily complete the agency-approved didactic and clinical training;
	  e.   	 Satisfactorily complete the agency-approved examination;
	  f.   	 Upon completion of “d” and “e,” apply to the agency for a permit to practice and pay a fee of $25;
	  g.   	 Submit an annual renewal application that includes the $25 fee;
	  h.   	 Submit copies of proof of completion of continuing education required in subrule 42.7(5);
	  i.   	 Post the permit at the individual’s place of employment;
	  j.   	 Work only under the supervision of a licensed practitioner as defined in 641—Chapter 38;
	  k.   	 Submit a written report of any misdemeanor or felony, any disciplinary action brought against the individual in connection with a certificate or license issued from a certifying or licensing entity, or any disciplinary action brought against the individual by an employer or patient.
	 42.7(5) Continuing education requirements.
	  a.   	 Each individual certified under rule 641—42.7(136C) shall, during a two-year period, obtain two clock hours of continuing education.
	  b.   	 Hours may be satisfied by attending courses in podiatric radiography approved by this agency or given by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) or the Iowa Podiatric Medical Society (IPMS).
	  c.   	 Proofs of completion shall be retained by the podiatric radiographer for four years.
	  d.   	 For late submission of continuing education, the requirements in 42.2(3)“g” shall apply.
	 42.7(6) Recertification.
	  a.   	 If an individual allows the certification to expire for any reason or if any individual voluntarily terminates certification, the following shall apply:
	 (1) 	 Any individual who wishes to regain certification and makes application within six months of the termination date will be allowed to do so with no additional training or testing required but must complete any delinquent continuing education.
	 (2) 	 Any individual who wishes to regain certification after two years must complete an approved training program and pass the required examination as required in 42.7(1) and 42.7(2).
	  b.   	 Reserved.
	 42.7(7) Any licensed podiatrist who permits an individual to perform podiatric radiography contrary to this chapter shall be subject to discipline by the board of podiatric examiners pursuant to 645—Chapter 224.