Delegate Reports

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

N E W S    R E L E A S E

Editor: For more information on this two-page article,

contact Kathy Hendricks – phone (651) 687-0048, ext. 515;

fax (651) 687-0349; e-mail kathy.hendricks@arrt.org · www.arrt.org



CE Evaluation –

AIUM Earns RCEEM Status from ARRT

Addition brings total to nine.

             (ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA – August 26, 2004) – The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has been named by ARRT as a Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism, or RCEEM.

            To become a RCEEM, an organization must document that it meets criteria established by ARRT. RCEEMs review and evaluate proposed continuing education activities to assure that they meet the ARRT definition of continuing education. An activity approved by a RCEEM will be awarded Category A credit.

            AIUM may now review and approve continuing education activities as Category A for Registered Technologists. An R.T. may satisfy ARRT’s CE requirements by earning 24 credits during his or her biennium, at least 12 of which must qualify as Category A.

            ARRT’s CE requirements are detailed in the Continuing Education Requirements for Renewal of Registration document, which can be found online at www.arrt.org under “Education/CE.”

            AIUM joins eight other organizations recognized by ARRT as RCEEMs. They are:

American College of Radiology (ACR)
American Healthcare Radiology Administrators (AHRA)
American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)
Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT)
Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS)
Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologist Section (SNMTS)
Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU)

            ARRT’s CE requirements note that continuing education “provides a mechanism for technologists to fulfill their responsibility to maintain competence and prevent obsolescence. Participation in continuing education demonstrates accountability to peers, physicians, health care facilities, and the public.”

            The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists promotes high standards of patient care by recognizing qualified individuals in medical imaging, interventional procedures and radiation therapy. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, ARRT tests, certifies and annually registers more than 235,000 radiologic technologists across the United States.

A R R T

RT in DC – TSRT Report

Reported by:

Cedric Jolivet R.T. (R)

TSRT 2009-10 Board Chair

Points of Interest:

11^th Annual Event

April 19 – 21, 2009

Washington, D.C. - Hilton Hotel Washington Embassy Row

Over 140 Attendees

A review of MIPPA – Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act

§ Signed July 2008

§ 2010 CMS will deem accreditation and by 2011 all advanced imaging must be accredited. Most hospitals already have accreditation standards in place. Post primary certification for technologist is not required for accreditation.

The CARE Bill – Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Bill

§ 500 millions in savings over a 5 year span, 1 billion in savings over a 10 year span

§ Cost saving are based on an analysis of 1% of all repeats decreased yearly and if the proper utilization is used while performing exams (Survey conducted by the ASRT)

§ Technologists will be given a “grandfather clause” of 7 years to become compliant with education standards (ARRT non restricted certifications and licenses)

§ While MIPPA handles advance imaging, the CARE bill will include x-ray, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and radiation therapy. 70% of imaging is x-ray and ultrasound. Only 30% is the advanced imaging (CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine)

§ Contacting Congressman and Senators and asking for support of the CARE Bill (HR583 and S1042) is important

While in DC, I teamed up with Alicia Uhrich from NTRTS. With her assistance over 30 Texas representatives offices were visited and both Texas senator offices. Also in attendance from Texas were Israel Silva (South Texas), Gail Blythe (Austin area), and Warren Parker (San Antonio area). While being a divided group, we were able to reach some offices twice providing addition information. Currently I am doing follow-ups with my congressmen and senators legislative assistants, as well as the other attendees.

ASRT is till wait for a senator and a congressman to introduce the bills. Once the bills are introduced and assigned a number and communication will go out to inform all interested groups and individuals.

I am now a member of the ASRT Committee on R.T. Advocacy. We met while in DC and my responsibility is to communicate advocacy issues. My geographical responsibility for outreach is Texas, New Mexico, and Louisiana. Texas was commended by the committee chairman on the great network efforts currently in place in the state. The committee meets again during the ASRT Annual Governance and HOD in Albuquerque, NM, June 12, 2009.