Operation of X-ray machines by podiatric X-ray assistants.

A licensed podiatric physician may utilize an X-ray machine, expose X-ray films, and interpret or read such films. The provision of part IV of chapter 468 to the contrary notwithstanding, a licensed podiatric physician may authorize or direct a certified podiatric X-ray assistant to operate such equipment and expose such films under the licensed podiatric physician’s direction and supervision, pursuant to rules adopted by the board in accordance with s. 461.004, which ensures that such certified podiatric X-ray assistant is competent to operate such equipment in a safe and efficient manner by reason of training, experience, and passage of a board-approved course which includes an examination. The board shall issue a certificate to an individual who successfully completes the board-approved course and passes the examination to be administered by the training authority upon completion of such course.