CDC considers allowing NPs to read chest x-rays

A division within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is weighing whether to allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to read chest x-rays. The CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health submitted a request for information in December 2024 about whether NPs and PAs should be allowed to take and pass the NIOSH B Reader exam to become certified B Readers. B Readers classify the chest radiographs of employees participating in health surveillance programs, including the NIOSH Coal Worker’s Health Surveillance Program. Currently, only licensed physicians can become B Readers; 184 U.S.-based physicians in 35 states are licensed B readers as of October 2024. The CDC wants B Readers to be available in all 50 states and territories. Comments are due March 17. (HealthLeaders Media article, 1/20/25)