The ASRT is committed to advancing medical imaging and radiation therapy professions by teaching radiologic technologists how to lobby their lawmakers at the R.T. in D.C. advocacy event. In 2011, R.T. in D.C. took place March 13-15 at the Hilton Washington Embassy Row.
Not only does R.T. in D.C. allow radiologic technologists and radiation therapists to have a presence on Capitol Hill, it also gives members from affiliate societies a chance to network with colleagues from other states who are interested in advocacy. Attendees share stories about what is happening in their state, discuss how they handled legislative or regulatory issues, share condolences about defeats and celebrate victories.
From Office of the President of DCCCD - Dr. Wright L. Lassiter, Jr. on 4/1/11
Rick Reinacker, a second year student in the radiologic sciences program at El Centro College, spent part of his spring break in Washington, D.C. Rick was one of six people selected by the North Texas Radiologic Technologist's Society (NTRTS), and the only student from Texas to attend the RT (Radiologic Technologists) in DC event on March 14-15th. The event is sanctioned by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), which is the national professional society for radiologic technologists and therapists.
The purpose of the event was to lobby congress to pass the CARE Bill, which stands for the Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy. The bill ensures basic educational and certification standards for healthcare workers who administer radiologic procedures in all 50 states. It also ensures patients undergoing all types of radiologic procedures have the same assurance of quality as those receiving mammograms under the provisions of the Mammography Quality Standards Act. On March 14th, ASRT taught Rick and fellow attendees how to lobby lawmakers, and equipped them with tools and strategies for meetings on capital hill on March 15th.
Since congress was in session that day, Rick and the NTRTS team met with healthcare legislative aids for Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Senator John Cornyn, Congressman Sam Johnson, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Lloyd Doggett, Kevin Brady, Michael Burgess, Gene Green, and Ralph Hall. The team actually met Ralph Hall in person when the House recessed for the day. Rick stated "Congressman Hall is a very gracious and kind man who agreed to co-sponsor the CARE Bill as a result of our visit." "This lobbying event was a great experience and a good civics lesson," said Rick. "I've written letters and emails to Congress in the past, but it's an entirely different experience to walk the halls of Congress. It is empowering to know you can petition your elected officials to ask them to help improve the quality of healthcare for all Americans."
Rick - Nice Job.
