ARRT Continues Advocacy Efforts to Support R.T.s

At ARRT, we’re deeply involved in state and federal advocacy efforts that protect the value of the medical imaging and radiation therapy professions.

Federal issues include passing legislation and creating regulations that promote patient safety. We also focus on addressing medical reimbursement issues. State issues include mandating licensure and guiding its application. 

Here’s an update.

Legislation on Personnel Standards

We support state legislative efforts to establish minimum education requirements and credentialing standards for all disciplines. In addition, we influence and help to develop rules for those qualified to operate imaging equipment. In Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, we’re advocating for specific regulatory and statutory efforts.

Encroachment Efforts by Other Health Care Providers

Recently, advocacy groups in several states have championed legislation that would enable midlevel providers—such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants—to order, perform, supervise, and interpret imaging studies. Some efforts have been successful. As ARRT monitors developments, we need your continued advocacy to support and defend our profession.

Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act (MARCA) Update

ARRT continues to lead efforts at the federal level to support and advocate for procedures performed by radiologist assistants. The MARCA bill proposes to amend the Medicare reimbursement policy for radiologist assistants, aligning it with state radiologist assistant licensure laws. At the state level, licensure efforts are in progress for California, Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

Help Protect Your Profession

You can get involved to support these efforts. Contact your legislators, join your local affiliate, and watch for volunteer opportunities to advocate for the profession.

Let patients and members of your community know that you’ve earned ARRT credentials—the gold standard of patient care. The work you put into earning your credentials prepares you to perform highly technical medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures. Unqualified personnel doing such work put patients at risk for missed diagnoses, delayed care, overexposure to radiation, and medical errors.

Your work makes a difference.