Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y. Source: Open Congress

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y., this past Friday introduced the "Medicare Imaging Disclosure Sunshine Act of 2008" in the U.S House—a companion bill to S. 3343, which was introduced by Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, on July 25.

However, Congress has embarked on its summer recess. Therefore, the Senate will have holiday until Aug. 24 and the House until Aug. 19. The progression of the bills will be shelved until their return.

McCarthy’s bill (H.R. 6821) would amend the Stark Law to require that physicians disclose their financial interest in certain imaging services provided through the in-office ancillary exception, as well as provide patients with a list of alternative imaging providers in the area. The requirement would be effective starting in Jan. 1, 2010.

McCarthy is also the original cosponsor of H.R. 1293, the Access to Medicare Imaging Act of 2007, which calls for a two-year moratorium on the imaging cuts in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.