The U.S. Senate yesterday passed the Consumer Assurance of Radiologic Excellence bill unanimously. The RadCARE bill (S. 2322) establishes minimum educational and credentialing standards for radiologic technologists, radiation therapists and medical physicists. To receive reimbursements from Medicare, Medicaid or any HHS program, the new standards must be met. This bill was passed with one provision that would require the legislation to be reauthorized periodically. Next up for the bill is a trip for a U.S. House of Representatives floor vote. It must be approved this year or it will have to be reintroduced in the 2007 for a floor vote. This House will adjourn tomorrow so time is working against the legislation.

“Thanks to support from radiologic technologists around the country, the RadCARE bill has had strong momentum all year,” said Christine Lung, director of government relations, American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). “Our chances are very good that it will pass in the House of Representatives, just as it has passed in the Senate. The only thing working against us is the congressional calendar.”