The Consumer Assurance of Radiologic Excellence (CARE) bill (H.R. 1214) has been reintroduced to the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Heather Wilson, R-N.M. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish educational and credentialing standards for personnel who plan and deliver radiation therapy and perform diagnostic imaging procedures, according to the Albuquerque, NM-based American Society of Radiologic Technologists ( ASRT).
Personnel who perform medical ultrasound procedures are exempted from these provisions. Under the proposed legislation, states would be required to meet the federal minimum standards or risk losing Medicaid reimbursement for radiologic procedures.
Rep. Wilson, who introduced the bill in 2001 as H.R. 1011, had the bipartisan support of 54 sponsors before the close of the 107th Congress. Prior to Rep. Wilson, Rep. Rick Lazio, R-N.Y, introduced the CARE bill in the 106th session of Congress. In addition to the ASRT, the bill is backed by the Alliance for Quality Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, a coalition of radiologic science organizations that represents more than 250,000 healthcare professionals.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
March 14, 2003
Related Reading
CARE bill set for revival, March 11, 2003
ASRT launches meeting for RT educators, February 3, 2003
ASRT fund issues grants for RA programs, February 3, 2003
ASRT membership tops 100,000, January 2, 2003
Professional group bolsters RT image with education, legislation, November 8, 2002
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