A bill introduced in the House of Representatives proposes to set minimum education and certification standards for technical personnel providing, planning and delivering medical imaging exams and radiation therapy treatments in the Medicare program.
Co-sponsored by Ed Whitfield (R-Ken.), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power, and John Barrow (D-Ga.) and supported by a bipartisan group of 17 Representatives, the Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility and Excellence (CARE) in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy bill (H.R. 2104) "would ensure that a patient who undergoes a medical imaging or radiation therapy procedure paid for through Medicare has the services performed by a professional with appropriate education and competency assessment through certification," said a press release issued by Whitfield's office.
The bill would "ensure that taxpayer dollars are only being spent on those procedures performed by qualified individuals."
The press release notes that medical images taken by technicians without proper training can result in misdiagnosis, more testing and treatment delays, which add up to more costs for the healthcare system.
"By setting minimum education and certification standards for the technical personnel involved in these procedures, Congress can address these concerns and assure patients that imaging and therapy personnel are qualified while also being responsible with taxpayer dollars spent on these procedures," said Whitfield in the press release.
The bill is supported by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the American Society for Radiation Oncology and the Alliance for Quality Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy.
ASRT has been advocating for federal standards for medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures since 1998. In a statement, ASRT officials said six states – Alabama, Alaska, Idaho, Missouri, North Carolina and South Dakota – and Washington, D.C., don't have any method of regulating individuals performing medical imaging or radiation therapy.
"Healthcare professionals and organizations continue to back the bill because they understand that education and certification standards will lead to better patient care and improved safety measures," said ASRT President James Temme.
The bill has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Committee on Ways and Means.