California gets landmark radiologist dose reporting law

California radiologists will be required to incorporate radiation dose levels in their reports under a measure signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The measure requires that radiologists include in their reports the dose length product or the CT dose index if the machine is able to calculate it. Also in the bill: • Radiation overdoses must be reported to the patient, the treating physician, and the state Department of Public Health, • All facilities that conduct CT scans must be accredited according to federal standards starting Jan. 1, 2013, • CT equipment must be calibrated annually and verification is required. The measure will go into effect Jan. 1, 2012.