Lombardy Radiology Timelines: TAR Ruling Clarifies Professional Autonomy

A recent ruling by the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) of Lombardy, detailed in sentence 672/2026 issued on February 11, 2026, has clarified key aspects of booking and service delivery for radiology services in the Lombardy region. The decision addresses concerns raised regarding regional resolutions aimed at reducing waiting lists.

Background: Regional Resolutions and Concerns

The matter stems from resolutions passed by the Lombardy Regional Council – specifically resolution No. XII/2224 of April 22, 2024, and its subsequent integration through resolution No. XII/5057 of September 29, 2025. These resolutions, designed to address lengthy wait times for specialist outpatient services, including radiology, established a single regional timetable for these services (Annex 3).

The National Radiology Area Union SNR, under the leadership of national secretary Giulio Argalia, challenged these resolutions before the TAR of Lombardy, represented by lawyers Erika Rossano and Antonella Villani. The union argued that the specified timelines were insufficient to guarantee the quality of medical-diagnostic acts and patient care.

The Core of the Dispute

The SNR contended that the timetable imposed maximum execution times that conflicted with the minimum times necessary for high-quality radiological examinations. They argued that these imposed methods were incompatible with scientific evidence and the professional and ethical obligations of radiologists.

TAR Ruling: Key Findings

While the TAR ultimately rejected the appeal, the ruling affirmed several fundamental principles. Notably, the court recognized the representativeness of the SNR, legitimizing its standing to intervene on behalf of radiologists operating in the Lombardy region.

The judges specifically stated that the resolutions:

• Do not impose a binding obligation on healthcare professionals, who retain autonomy in determining the duration of individual services based on the specifics of each case.
• Are limited to regulating the scheduling of appointments and do not affect the content of the health services themselves. They are considered directives to healthcare service bodies.
• Do not undermine the ability of doctors to determine the appropriate time needed for each service, even if it exceeds the pre-established time.

Implications for Radiologists

The ruling effectively affirms that radiologists have the full right to independently determine the duration of a service to ensure quality of care. No external entity can interfere with this professional judgment. Despite potential practical repercussions on workflow within booking schedules calibrated on potentially incorrect times, radiologists are not obligated to perform services within the regionally mandated timeframes.

Looking Ahead

This ruling provides clarity and reinforces the professional autonomy of radiologists in Lombardy. While the regional resolutions remain in effect for scheduling purposes, the TAR’s decision ensures that clinical judgment and patient safety remain paramount in the delivery of radiological services.