Popular 3D/4D Ultrasounds Regulated Under New Tennessee Law

The last few years have seen a rapid increase in the availability of so-called “3D” or “4D” ultrasounds. These procedures provide keepsake imaging for expectant parents and are generally performed outside of traditional doctor’s offices–they can even be done in malls! The rising popularity of these fetal scans seems to continue, despite guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the FDA urging caution. One concern has been the lack of oversight with respect to the use of ultrasound equipment to monitor effects upon maternal and fetal tissue.

In Tennessee, the General Assembly has stepped in to provide regulation of the non-clinical ultrasound industry. The “Tennessee Ultrasound Sonographer Practice Act,” became effective January 1, 2019. It creates a licensing procedure with minimum training standards.  The impact on these businesses remains to be seen, although there is a 12-month grace period to allow technicians to obtain licenses. One year from now, however, all 3D/4D ultrasounds in the state must be performed by licensed professionals.