Legislation that would establish education and credentialing requirements for radiologic technologists in the U.S. has been reintroduced in the House of Representatives.
The Consumer Assurance of Radiologic Excellence (CARE) bill, H.R. 1426, was introduced on March 17 by Rep. Chip Pickering (R-MS). The legislation would instruct the Department of Health and Human Services to develop nationwide standards for personnel who plan and deliver radiation therapy and who perform all diagnostic imaging procedures except ultrasound.
Current regulation of RTs is on a state-by-state basis. Some states allow RTs to conduct procedures with no formal education and after only a few weeks of on-the-job training.
This week's introduction marks the fourth try for credentialing proponents to get a bill passed by Congress. Similar bills were introduced in 2000, 2001, and 2003.
The legislation is supported by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) of Albuquerque, NM, and has 10 Republican and 10 Democratic co-sponsors.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
March 18, 2005
Related Reading
Senate introduces RT credentialing bill, June 9, 2003
CARE bill reintroduced, March 14, 2003
CARE bill set for revival, March 11, 2003
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