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RT in DC

Nearly 100 radiologic technologists from around the nation emerged on Washington D.C. on March 29th – April 1st; David LeClair, Debra Ricciardelli, Robert Mortensen, Loretta Cardone and Maureen Seluta represented the Massachusetts Society of Radiologic Technologists. The purpose of this visit was to persuade Congress to enact the Consumer Assurance of Radiologic Excellence Act. This annual event is called R.T. in D.C. and is sponsored by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. The CARE Bill would implement minimal educational and credentialing standards across the nation for all persons who use medical imaging and radiation therapy. There are fourteen states plus the District of Columbia that have not developed regulatory guidelines for radiologic personnel, some health care employees are performing sophisticated medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures after only a few weeks training.

The ASRT proposes that this bill will reduce costs by lowering the number of exams that must be repeated; improve safety by reducing the radiation of overexposed images which may cause cancers and ensure that all quality information is present on each exam.

The Care Bill 1214, has been introduced to the House of Representatives by
Rep Heather Wilson, R – N.M., it will take bipartisan support to see it signed into law.
At the rap up session on April 1st it was obvious that the grassroots efforts worked, most states that were represented were successful in having Representatives and/or Senators sign on board.

Senator Enzi, the majority leader, on the HELP Committee (Health, Education, Labor and Pension) and Senator Kennedy introduced the CARE Bill in the Senate in June. The Massachusetts delegates received positive support from their representatives and senators, Senator Kerry said that he would support the CARE Bill when it went to a vote on the Senate floor and Representatives Barney Frank and Edward Markey are signed on as cosponsors.

There was a strong feeling in Washington DC that the CARE BILL would pass in this Congress but our work has just begun, we need to follow up with letters, telephone calls and visits to our representatives when they are in the districts.

Americans have a right no matter where they live to have the highest quality health care provided by qualified personnel. What can you do as an individual? Most legislators are genuinely interested in what their constituents think, and they look forward to receiving your letters, e-mail messages, phone calls and personal visits. Take the time and send a quick message to your representative and senators and ask for their support for the CARE Bill HR 1214.

Some informative websites that will connect you to your senators and representatives and give you updates of the status of the Care Bill: http://www.senate.gov and http://www.house.gov.


Click on image to enlarge:
Bob and Dave Maureen, Debbie, and Loretta Reps Congressman Duncan Award
(A) (B) (C) (D)

(A) Dave Leclair and Robert Mortensen
(B) Maureen Seluta, Deb Ricciardelli, and Lorretta Cardone
(C) Massachusetts Representatives of the CARE Bill
(D) ASRT Award presented by Congressman Duncan