The American Society of Radiologic Technologists is hosting the inaugural National Radiologic Technologist Day of Action on Aug. 13, the anniversary of when the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act became law in 1981. ASRT leaders are speaking to elected officials in Washington, D.C., and are encouraging medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals to contact their state leaders through the Advocacy Action Center, to advocate for consistent education, training and competency standards.

The Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act’s goal was to establish minimum standards by the federal government for the accreditation of education programs and certification, and to ensure that medical and dental radiologic procedures are consistent with rigorous safety precautions and standards. Although the law passed, legislators required the standards to be voluntary. Therefore, states were not required to incorporate standards.

Now, 45 years later, there are still many states that do not require nationally recognized educational, training and competency standards to practice as a medical imaging or radiation therapy professional.