The Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility, and Excellence (CARE) in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy bill (S 3737) again has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA).
The legislation would establish minimum education and certification standards as part of the Medicare program for all medical imaging and radiation therapy personnel.
The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), based in Albuquerque, NM, continues its support for the bill. ASRT President Jim Temme said the legislation is the best way to address concerns about healthcare quality, radiation safety, and safe equipment operation.
ASRT noted that basic educational standards for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals are voluntary in many states, which could allow some individuals to perform radiologic procedures with no formal education.
Five states and the District of Columbia have no regulations for the qualifications of personnel performing medical imaging examinations.
A U.S. House of Representatives version of the CARE bill (HR 3652) was introduced by Rep. John Barrow (D-GA) in September 2009 and now has 117 bipartisan co-sponsors.
ASRT is urging both the House and Senate to take action on the bill before Congress adjourns in December.
Related Reading
ASRT again pushes CARE bill, September 28, 2009
ASRT takes another run at RT credentialing with CARE bill, May 1, 2007
CARE Bill introduced into U.S. Senate, April 2, 2007
CARE Bill reintroduced in U.S. House, January 23, 2007
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