ACR Applauds Reinstatement of NIOSH/B Reader Program

The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) applauds the reinstatement of staffing and services in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) physician B Reader certification program and Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP).  

The B Reader program trains and certifies physicians to classify pneumoconiosis (interstitial lung disease) in the chest x-rays of workers exposed to coal mine dust, crystalline silica and asbestos. ACR provides a course to prepare radiologists and other physicians for the NIOSH exam. The CWHSP provides Black Lung screening at no cost to coal miners.  

Both programs were previously paused due to NIOSH staff reductions and agency-wide consolidation plans. Following advocacy by ACR and others, as well as a legal challenge (subscription publication), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services rescinded its reductions and the programs will continue shortly. B Readers previously reading for the CWHSP are to soon receive more information from NIOSH. 

The College previously communicated with key congressional offices to support the continuation of NIOSH services, staffing and funding of the physician B Reader certification program and the CWHSP. ACR noted these programs are critical to supporting workers’ respiratory health and safety and advancing the administration’s domestic policy goals.  

If you have questions, contact Michael Peters, ACR Senior Director, Government Affairs.