CARE Bill:

The Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility and Excellence (CARE) in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Charles Gonzalez [D-TX-20].  The bill is H.R. 3652.  TSRT has been working with ASRT to rally up support.  There are currently 6 cosponsors in the House. 

We need Texas technologists to be “pleasant pest” and continue to call their US Representatives for more co-sponsorship.

RA Bill:

Texas Senate Bill 821, modification to the current MRT bill to establish licensing for radiologist assistants (RAs) in Texas, was sponsored by Shapiro and passed the Senate Floor.  Chuck Hopson was the sponsor in the House; however, the bill did not make it out of committee before the legislative session ended.  TSRT remains in communication with TRS (Texas Radiologic Society) on how to pursue the bill for next TSRT legislative session.

Coalition for Ethical Imaging, CEI:

This legislative effort mandates the registration of diagnostic imaging equipment and the accreditation of diagnostic imaging facilities. They also include a directive for a study by the Texas Department of State Health Services that would help determined the extent to which physician ownership of advanced diagnostic equipment influences the decision to prescribe expensive tests.  TSRT continues to support these efforts helping with research, monitoring, and information about the effort.