I would like to wish the leadership of the LSRT, the technologists throughout our state, and the members of the LSRT a happy new year. I hope this year is filled with success and blessings for each of you.

As this new year unfolds, many challenges can be seen on the horizon. Nationally, the CARE bill continues through the legislative process. Support for a national set of standards for credentialing medical imagers grows as more people are educated on its importance, but final passage has yet to be reached. Interested individuals can keep up with the progress on the bill and other legislative information at https://www.asrt.org/content/GovernmentRelations/_legislativeregulatory.aspx .

 Another interesting situation that is being seen in other states is the turf war between Radiology Assistants (RA) and Nurse Practitioners and Physicians Assistants (PA). On a conference call with other state affiliates I learned that, in some states, PAs and Nurse Practitioners are vying for the role that should be filled by the RA. Currently, each state is handling the issue individually by passing new legislation, clarifying current legislation, or by not doing anything. It really depends on the strength of the legislation that the states have and the oversight and enforcement of the laws in that state.

I also learned that the membership in the state societies is dwindling. Some states have dissolved their societies because of lack of membership interest. The most commonly used reason for membership loss is the availability of CEU’s online or through the ASRT. So it is clear that radiologic technologists associate professional society membership with continuing education primarily. I hope that technologists will see that the legislative issues will be dealt with in each state, state societies are the voice at the state level, and the outcome of these state issues will have an effect on the employment opportunities available to current and future technologists. One of the state representatives on that conference call noted that his state was a non-licensure state and there was a 26% unemployment rate for technologists in that state. These are just some things to think about.

I want the LSRT membership to know that the Board and I are dedicated to the society as a whole, and we are dedicated to the safety of our patients and the welfare of the field of radiologic technology. May this New Year be your best ever!

Brett Bennett, M.Ed., R.T. (R)

LSRT President

2011—2012