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Kansas R.T.s--The CARE Bill, H.R. 2104 Has Been Introduced

Dear Kansas R.T.:

I wrote you earlier in May in hopes of building a network of R.T.s living in Kansas. I promised I would keep you informed on the status of the Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility and Excellence (CARE) in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy bill and I have good news! The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 2 by Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY-1) as H.R. 2104. It is now time to work as a united front to get the CARE bill enacted into law. Please help.

Send an e-mail or call your representative today and ask them to contact Taylor Booth in Rep. Whitfield’s office to become a cosponsor and find out how to help get the CARE bill enacted. The CARE bill will guarantee that radiologic personnel who perform medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures are educated and certified as proof of being qualified. Its passage is a vital step for ensuring patient safety.

Your representative will be home working in the district the week of June 6-10, please make every attempt to reach him or her by attending town hall meetings, making an office appointment or calling the local office. You can find phone numbers and the schedule of meetings on their websites.

Also, please contact the Washington, D.C. office and let them know how important this bill is to you and the patients in your state. You can use the ASRT eAdvocacy for You site or your representative’s website to send a message. Please do it now!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Together, we can make a difference.

Sincerely,

Sharon Wartenbee, R.T.(R)(BD), CDT, FASRT
ASRT Committee on R.T. Advocacy
wartenbee@sio.midco.net

R.T. in D.C.

Dear Kansas R.T.

I recently attended R.T. in D.C. in support of the C.A.R.E bill. The Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility and Excellence (CARE) in Medical Imaging and Radiation bill will:

• Reduce health care costs. Accurate diagnosis and fewer repeat exams and delays in treatment will save the Medicare program millions of dollars.
• Maximize patient safety. Certified individuals perform exams and treatments safely, accurately and effectively while minimizing radiation exposure.
• Increase quality. Competent, educated and certified technologists and therapists increase overall exam and treatment quality. Patients’ satisfaction is increased.

Everything is happening fast. Representatives Ed Whitfield (KY) and John Barrow (GA) sent out the “Dear Colleague” letter. We are anticipating them to introduce the bill very soon. Our mission is to get as many original cosponsors as possible. We’re anticipating Rep. Whitfield will introduce the bill very soon, so don’t delay!! We need your help in contacting our Kansas Representatives. So far, none have signed on and Kansas is the only State not to have signed on to co-sponsor. Please go to the following website: http://capwiz.com/asrt/home/ to follow the easy steps in contacting your Kansas Representatives and Senators.

Toni Caldwell, RT(R)
KSRT Vice President - Membership