PO Box 222094
Dallas, Texas 75222
Email: ntrts@live.com
Each year, radiologic technologists and radiation therapists gather in Washington, D.C. to ask their representatives and senators to commit support to the CARE Bill. This was the 11th annual year and NTRTS sent our own Vice President, Alicia Uhrich, to lobby for the cause. She was there from April 19-21 and these are some of her thoughts and pictures.
RT in DC was an amazing experience. I arrived during the Cherry Blossom Season which is a sight only to be experienced in person. During the lobbying process, all the Senators and Congressmen/women were at session. Fortunately we were able to meet with their LAs - Legislative Assistants. Out of 32 Texas Representatives I was able to meet with 31, and both LAs representing the Texas Senators. The response to the CARE Bill was very positive. The bill will be introduced in the next couple of weeks and then the lobbying continues in support of the Radiology profession. I would encourage all Radiologic Technologists to get involved and support their profession!
They closed down the Madame Tussauds wax museum for us. It was amazing. Questions the LAs asked where:
What impact will this bill have on the economy financially?MIPPA already protects us from speciality radiology procedures, why do we need another bill?What is the suggested enforcement mechanism for the CARE Bill?Will this put people out of a job?I feel my lobbying made a huge difference. Texas is a huge state and carries a lot of 'pull' in the United States. I've been told that during RT in DC no one has been able to hit every Texas Representative. I missed only one representative due to a time crunch, but she's still going to get an email from me when the CARE Bill is introduced! I'm proud that I was able to inform and educate the Legislative Assistants and Representatives of this crucial matter. The responses I received were that of support for the Bill and concern that were such positions as NCTs (Non Certified Techs). Persistence is KEY. I very much enjoyed lobbying and will continue to support this cause in any way I can!
Alicia Uhrich
