State Legislative Bills Report
As most state legislatures end their 2025 sessions and look to 2026, ACR staff is looking at how some radiology-specific bills they tracked fared this year.
Read moreLegislation aims to strengthen physician workforce
American College of Radiology (ACR)-supported bipartisan legislation was introduced Feb. 25, in the U.S. House and Senate to extend a program to help strengthen the physician workforce. The Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act was originally created in 1994, to give states the ability to waive the requirement that foreign medical graduates must return to their home country for two years after they complete their training in the U.S. To qualify, the physicians must agree to practice in a medically underserved area for at least three years following completion of their residency.
U.S. Reps. David Valadao (R-CA), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Don Bacon (R-NE) and Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) introduced H.R.1585; Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the companion bill, S. 709.
The introduced legislation would extend authorization of the program for three years and create a process to gradually increase the total number of waivers beyond 30 per state.
This legislation is one policy solution aimed at addressing ongoing physician shortages and strengthening the healthcare workforce in areas where it is needed most.
For more information or if you have questions, contact Ashley Walton, ACR Government Affairs Director.
State Legislative Bills Report
As most state legislatures end their 2025 sessions and look to 2026, ACR staff is looking at how some radiology-specific bills they tracked fared this year.
Read moreMedicare Payment Increase in Final Budget Reconciliation Bill
The bill includes a 2.5% increase to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year 2026.
Read moreCMS Announces Prior Authorization Test Model
WiSer is a six-year program that will begin in six states on January 1, 2026. It will introduce prior authorization using AI technology for a select number of services, including some IR procedures.
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