Who Is the ACRA?
The American College of Radiology Association (ACRA) debuted July 1, 2003.
As a scientific and educational institution committed to the advancement of the science of radiology and the improvement of the radiologic care of patients, the ACR had long been classified by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. In recent years, however, the College had become active in monitoring the ever-growing oversight of medicine by federal and state officials in an effort to protect the interests of its members and the patients they care for. The IRS strictly regulates the amount of resources 501(c)(3) organizations like ACR can use for lobbying efforts. Such organizations are prohibited from making direct campaign contributions to candidates or forming a political action committee.
With campaign finance legislation placing an even greater emphasis on PAC contributions, the College decided to transition its advocacy activities to a 501(c)(6) organization, the ACRA, to allow for increased advocacy efforts. The College retained its original tax-exempt status. As of July 1, 2003, all members of the College were automatically also members of the Association. While the 2 organizations are separate entities from a legal and corporate standpoint, the members of the College Board of Chancellors, Council, and Council Steering Committee serve in the same capacities in the Association, so control of each organization remains firmly in the hands of the membership. All government relations and economics issues are handled by the newly formed ACRA; other activities continue to be handled by the College.
Members pay their dues to the ACRA, which then transfers all necessary operating funds to the College. This allows all ACR members to contribute to RADPAC, thereby increasing the potential contributor base from 7,000 to more than 22,000.