Who are physicians not allowed to delegate their responsibilities to?

Physicians have specific responsibilities that are integral to patient care and the practice of medicine. While they can delegate certain tasks to qualified professionals, they cannot delegate their overall responsibilities for patient safety and care outcomes. The practice of medicine involves not only technical skills but also clinical judgment, which must remain with the physician.

Medical Radiologic Technologists (MRTs), Limited Medical Radiologic Technologists (LMRTs), and Nuclear Cardiology Technologists (NCTs) are trained professionals, but they each operate under specific scopes of practice defined by their certifications and regulations. None of these roles can assume the full breadth of a physician's responsibility.

By stating that physicians cannot delegate their responsibilities to MRTs, LMRTs, or NCTs, it emphasizes that although these professionals play essential roles in healthcare, the ultimate accountability for diagnosis, treatment plans, and any medical decisions lies solely with the physician. This is crucial for ensuring high standards of patient care and maintaining the integrity of the medical profession. Thus, all these groups are listed under the premise that delegation does not relieve the physician of responsibility for the quality of care provided.