Greetings from the bustling ASRT Advocacy Department. We have been busy out in the world during the second quarter. With legislative sessions winding down, or going on summer breaks, we have been able to wind down the Committee on R.T. Advocacy, host a second cohort of Engaging New Technologists and attend the ASRT Annual Governance and House of Delegates Meeting in Reno, Nevada. Additionally, the ASRT Advocacy Department filtered through a record number of applications for the Online Advocacy Academy’s sixth cohort. Congratulations to those who were selected.  

It was such a joy getting to meet our members in Reno, Nevada, to talk about the issues you are seeing at the state level and learn how the ASRT Advocacy Department can support affiliate advocacy programs.  

Why it has been so slow in the states 

Most state legislatures are only in session for two to three months at a time, from around January to April. Once legislatures have adjourned, advocacy work focuses more on regulatory efforts, or rules, rather than on legislative proposals, or statutes. This slowdown also allows advocacy professionals to focus on building up grassroot networks and equipping our members with the necessary skills to better advocate in future legislative sessions.  

Just because legislatures have been quiet, doesn't mean there hasn’t been activity. The ASRT Advocacy Department submitted eight letters or public comments to states regarding proposals that inappropriately expand the scope of practice of other health care professionals to allow encroachment into medical imaging and radiation therapy. 

What’s next 

As we prepare for the fall sessions of state legislatures, the ASRT Advocacy Department continues coalition calls with partner organizations, engaging with stakeholders to be on the lookout for legislation that was previously introduced but has been stalled. We are also onboarding our 2023-2024 Committee on R.T. Advocacy.  

If you’re looking for ways to engage with ASRT Advocacy, contact your affiliate, follow ASRT on social media and respond to the calls of action posted on the Advocacy Action Center.  

We expect encroachment and deregulation of the profession to continue through the third quarter.