The governing boards of the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) have reached an agreement in principle to integrate the organizations while maintaining the traditions and cultures of each.

Under the deal, the educational missions of ARRS and ACR will be integrated, with ARRS developing and delivering scientific and educational programs for members of ACR and ARRS. The ACR will take the lead in the areas of government advocacy, economics and health policy, quality and safety and clinical research.

The organizations said that its members can expect uninterrupted access to the offerings that they have previously received from their respective organizations. By combining forces, ACR and ARRS can expand and enhance these respective member services and devote resources to new programs to meet the needs of radiologists and medical physicists nationally and internationally.

Once the details are finalized, the proposal will be presented to the ARRS membership in April for consideration. If approved, the new framework will take effect July 1.