This Web page provides access to ISSRT as well as industry-specific news. Please check this section of the Web site from time-to-time for updates and news releases.

You can go to the E&C Website http://energycommerce.house.gov/ to watch a live stream of the hearing at 10 am eastern time. Keep an eye on the ASRT Website for current information on it, too. The following is the link to the current news release on the ASRT Website concerning the hearing: https://www.asrt.org/Content/News/PressRoom/PR2010/congressio100219.aspx.

While we have extremely good news and opportunities ahead of us, we cannot assume things will just happen. It is very important to call your representative (especially if they are on the E&C Committee-these include Representatives Bobby Rush, Jan Schakowsky and John Shimkus, all of who have been previous cosponsors) this week prior to the hearing to let them know you will be watching the hearing and want to see their support of the bill. Ask them to keep talking about the importance of the CARE bill and how it will help ensure patient safety by having qualified personnel perform procedures.

SPREAD THE WORD to your colleagues, friends, etc. and tell them to call their representatives too. We are at a very critical time, so start now! CREATE THE BUZZ!!

Cathie Kukec, R.T.(R)(QM), CBPN-I
ISSRT Legislative Committee Co-chair and ASRT RT Advocacy Member

The CARE (Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility and Excellence) in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Bill was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives on 9/25/09 by Representative John Barrow of Georgia.  It was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.3652
Title: To amend the Public Health Service Act and title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make the provision of technical services for medical imaging examinations and radiation therapy treatments safer, more accurate, and less costly.
Sponsor: Rep Barrow, John [GA-12] (introduced 9/25/2009)      
Latest Major Action: 9/25/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (source www.thomas.gov)

What does this all mean?  What it means is that the CARE Bill, which will mandate federal minimum standards for all persons performing medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures, is still very much alive!  In this very active environment of healthcare reform, the CARE Bill is a crucial piece to the puzzle.

In Illinois, we have a number of key players in both the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Ways and Means.  To gain their support of the CARE Bill means that we have an increased opportunity to have the bill moved through committee and brought to the floor of the House for a vote.  Below is a list of representatives from Illinois that serve on these two committees:
        
Committee on Energy and Commerce                  Committee on Ways and Means
Danny Davis, IL                                                     Bobby L. Rush, IL
Jan Schakowsky, IL                                              Peter Roskam, IL
John Shimkus, IL

What are these committees responsible for?  I’m glad you asked! 

The Committee on Ways and Means has jurisdiction for Trade, Oversight, Health, Social Security, Income Security & Family Support and Select Revenue Measures. 

The Committee on Energy and Commerce has jurisdiction for National Energy Policy (including energy resources and pretty much anything dealing with energy), Health & Health Facilities, Interstate & Foreign Commerce, Consumer Affairs and Protection, Biomedical Research and Development, Public Health & Quarantine, Regulation of Domestic Nuclear Energy, Regulation of Interstate & Foreign Communications and Travel and Tourism.

I don’t know about you, but just reading that list takes my breath away and leaves me wanting a nap!!  As you can see, our legislators have many important issues on their plates, and the CARE Bill is just one of those.  This is why it’s important to speak to the issue when you call the legislators offices and talk to the staff.  Let them know the CARE Bill is an important part of what is going on in the country and needs their support.

What can you do?  Contact your legislators.  Have your co-workers, family and friends do the same.  Ask to speak to the Health Legislative Assistant (LA or staffer, in DC lingo) and let them know you are a constituent (that means someone who votes!) and want to ask for the Congressman or Senators support of the CARE Bill. 

Have your talking points ready, take a deep breath and don’t be scared!  Remember, you voted for the legislators, so in essence, they are under your employ!  You are their boss!  Be polite and persistent.  Pretty much everyone on Capitol Hill has heard of the CARE Bill, so you probably aren’t going to tell them anything new, but let your voice be heard!

If you have questions, need advice or just want to talk, call or email me.  I’m your Legislative resource for the I.S.S.R.T. 

Cathie Kukec, R.T.(R)(QM), CBPN-I
(708) 245-7416 (work)
Catherine.Kukec@ahss.org