ACR Advocacy Efforts Highlighted in First Half of 2023

The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) has been actively involved in advocacy efforts that will help improve radiologic care and strengthen healthcare for all. Some highlights from the first half of 2023 include:

• More than 450 radiologists participated in the ACR Capitol Hill Day, meeting with more than 250 Congressional offices. This was the College’s first in-person Hill Day since 2019.
• Calls to Action (CTA) on federal bills H.R. 2474, H.R. 3674 and S.1302. Participation in these CTAs has led to additional co-sponsors of these bills.
• CTA assistance to Iowa, Missouri, Montana and South Dakota state radiological societies through the American College of Radiology Association® (ACRA®) Radiology Advocacy Network (RAN) to combat scope of practice expansion bills.
• ACR member Ashutosh Rao, MD, a practicing radiologist in Atlanta, participated in a roundtable held by the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) related to issues surrounding the implementation of the No Surprises Act.

Amy Patel, MD, Chair of RAN and RADPAC® (ACRA’s political action committee) participated in numerous meetings, including the Susan G. Komen Advocacy Summit, where she was recognized for her advocacy and fundraising efforts at both the state and federal level.

RAN also launched the RADVOCATE Leader Certificate Program and the Pre-Radiology RAN, which introduces medical students and interns to radiology-related advocacy issues and helps them get involved.

If you are not a member of RAN, sign up to become an advocate. ACRA also offers the RADVOCACY Podcast Hosted by RADPAC, featuring ACR members and guests discussing radiology-related issues. Be sure to also follow RAN and RADPAC on Twitter.

If you are interested in joining ACR advocacy efforts, contact Melody Ballesteros, Assistant Director of Government Affairs. For information about RADPAC, contact Ted Burnes, Senior Director of Political Affairs.