A step in the right direction

The CARE bill (Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Act) is advancing in Congress... an article released October 14, 2009 states that "all medical imaging professionals to be state-certified under standards set by the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services."

If you live in a State that does not currently require x-ray licensure to take radiographs, this may change soon. According to the article, the bill, if passed, would take effect in January, 2013, and would require any technologist performing x-ray, fluoroscopy, and ultrasound procedures to be licensed under state-specific guidelines.

There are those who oppose this change for whatever reason, but I think this is a good step in the ever-expanding quest to promote professionalism in our field. Considering situations like my last post I believe this has come at a crucial time. There will be opposition to this, of course. Many people have been trained "on the job" in chiropractor's offices, medical assistant positions, and in private doctors offices throughout states that do not currently require this formal training. Physicians who employ these individuals may have to pay more money to hire qualified professionals to take their places, at higher cost to them.

You can view the bill here... or log onto www.asrt.org to get updates on the latest news.

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  EricLangness said Jun 8 2010, 5:57 PM EDT:

  This bill may likely face a court challenge for being unconstitutional, if it even passes the insanity of congress. I for one am a believer in it’s intent for increasing patient safety but believe it crosses a more important role our congress should be taking and that is preserving states rights. Each state in our union should be concerned with these sorts of regulations, not the federal government.