As 2012 approaches, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists is preparing for a busy year of legislative advocacy efforts.

At the top of the list are two federal legislative bills currently working their way through Congress: the Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility and Excellence (CARE) in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy bill, H.R. 2104, and the Medical Access to Radiology Care Act (MARCA), H.R. 3032.

For those who aren't familiar with the CARE bill, it will set federal minimum education and certification standards in the Medicare program for the technical personnel providing, planning and delivering all medical imaging examinations and radiation therapy treatments. It currently has 67 cosponsors, is backed by the 26 radiologic science organizations that make up the Alliance for Quality Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy and has support from several patient advocacy groups.

However, getting bills passed in Congress is challenging to say the least. As a result, the ASRT will continue to meet with lawmakers and encourage RTs to contact their congressional representatives to educate them about bill's importance.

The ASRT also will dedicate resources to the MARCA bill next year. The legislation will allow facilities and radiology practices to bill Medicare for medical imaging services performed by qualified radiologist assistants under the direction of a supervising radiologist. Since RAs manage and assess patients, perform selected radiology examinations and evaluate image quality, it's crucial for them to secure reimbursement for their services.

In addition, the society is gearing up to assist state affiliates with their legislative efforts. For example, the Georgia state affiliate already has plans for a licensure bill to be introduced in 2012 and many other state affiliate societies are working to refine and update existing licensure laws. Plus, the North Carolina state affiliate is working with legislative representatives to create a study commission to establish the feasibility of a future radiologic technology licensure bill.

Also, the ASRT is actively assisting state affiliates in California, Colorado, Indiana and North Carolina with their efforts to establish RA licensure. More than half the states in the country recognize RAs, but the ASRT's goal is to have every state recognize them.

Even more, the ASRT has plans in 2012 to work with the FDA and other stakeholders on several patient-safety initiatives.

How does the ASRT support all these efforts? The association has an in-house Government Relations and Public Policy Department strictly dedicated to supporting advocacy initiatives. The department has experts who can draft bill language, communicate with lawmakers and regulatory agencies, and serve as ASRT representatives at legislative hearings and briefings.

The department also manages and coordinates the annual RT in D.C. advocacy event in Washington, D.C. Celebrating its 14th year this March, RT in D.C. is the premier advocacy event for RTs who want to educate lawmakers about the CARE bill and the radiologic technology profession. More than 1,200 RTs have traveled to the nation's capital since the inception of RT in D.C. in 1999, and their efforts have helped raise the profile of RTs among our nation's leaders.

It's important to note that the ASRT's Government Relations Department doesn't solely focus on legislative activities. It also serves as a resource for the ASRT Grass-roots Network and other RTs interested in getting involved in professional advocacy efforts. The department's "Take It Further" campaign includes tutorials, information about the Committee on RT Advocacy, testimonials from RTs and advocacy materials. All the materials are available at www.asrt.org/takeitfurther.

Advocacy is a core component of ASRT's mission and 2012 will be an exciting year for the association and the profession. ASRT will have a constant presence on Capitol Hill and also will be in the corner of affiliates to provide the support they need to move their legislative efforts forward.

As the voice of the nation's RTs, ASRT is committed to advocating for the profession and supporting every RT who works with patients, oversees a department or serves as an educator. The association has been advocating for RTs for more than 90 years and will continue its effort for the next 90 years and counting. 

Jake Buehler is the director of public relations at the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.