RAN Update
Michigan Radiological Society Achieves Legislative Success in 2023-2024 Legislative Session – Turns Focus to 2025
From scope of practice to tort reform attempts, the Michigan Radiological Society (MRS) saw a lot of action during the 2023-2024 state legislative session. With robust leadership from Rocky Saenz, DO, president of MRS, Joe Junewick, MD, FACR and Leah Davis, DO, chair and co-chair of the MRS Legislative Committee, and Jim Cavanagh, JD, MRS lobbyist, the society implemented strategies and tools that successfully advanced positions supporting quality patient care and excellence in radiology.
Scope of Practice
Senate Bill (SB) 279 was legislation introduced that included language to allow nurse practitioners (NPs) to “order, perform, interpret and supervise” imaging studies. The bill was heard in committee; MRS testified against it. SB 279 did not move within the committee. MRS received an American College of Radiology Association® (ACRa) Scope of Practice grant, which enabled the society to implement an advocacy campaign to educate legislators about the importance of radiology in patient care and the differences between radiology practitioners.
MRS also worked with a marketing research firm and an ad hoc public relations committee to advise on social media posts, op-eds and focus groups. MRS was able in 2024 to place an op-ed and implement targeted social media posts ahead of the SB 279 committee hearing; the social media effort reached 1,326 MRS members and 60 legislators with messaging about scope of practice.
MRS also developed a set of three
educational graphics to better understand the extent and detail of radiology training that nurse practitioners receive during their education. A detailed review of NP training programs — confirmed NPs and NP schools in Michigan — revealed that NPs receive zero hours of formalized education in radiology. This was a concerning finding, particularly in the context of SB 279. MRS detailed these findings in handouts to legislators during their annual legislative day.
Tort Reform
House Bill 6085/6086 and Senate Bill 1158/1159 would have more than doubled the cap on noneconomic damages and would have expanded speculative damages under the wrongful death statute. The changes could have driven up patient costs by at least 20%, increased malpractice premiums by 35% and pushed physicians out of practice in Michigan — jeopardizing access to quality, affordable healthcare. MRS submitted a card of opposition to the legislation and sent out a call to action with the American College of Radiology® (ACR®), MRS and MiRadiologists. The bill died at the end of the legislative session and is not expected to be reintroduced this year.
Advocacy in Action
MRS has always had strong leadership and members interested in legislative activities, which is vital when addressing bills that threaten patient care. In 2023 and 2024, MRS continued to build and strengthen relationships by:
Hosting a zoom call with U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman and the MRS Board. This led to an on-site visit to the radiology department by Rep. Bergman and State Senator John Damoose at Grand Traverse Radiologists, PC.
Networking with the Michigan State Medical Society, Michigan Osteopathic Association, and other physician medical societies, including the MI Orthopedic Society, Michigan Society of Anesthesiologists and the MI College of Emergency Physicians.
Hosting MRS Legislative Day in Lansing, MI, in 2023, with 7 attendees and 7 legislative visits.
Attending the ACR Annual Meeting and Hill Day.
Receiving a Certificate of Proclamation for "Day of Radiology" by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Nov. 8.
Holding and Hosting Fundraisers:
Radiologist Hosted - John Roth, MI HOR in Traverse City, Oct 3, 2024.
Radiologist Attended - Winnie Brinks, SML in Grand Rapids Feb 5, 2024.
Attended and contributed to multiple additional candidates/events.
Looking Ahead to 2025
MRS expects another busy legislative session when the legislature reconvenes this month. Plans are currently underway by the society to promote legislation related to physician-led healthcare teams, transparency in healthcare titles and insurance coverage for supplemental breast imaging.
"MRS has been working hard to shift from a defensive to a more offensive stance in our legislative efforts. MiRadiologists has been a great proactive tool to educate and inform legislators about the role of radiologists in patient care and how bills they review may impact patient care. We are thankful to have received support from the ACR government relation team, the ACRa grant, and other state radiological societies to expand our educational and outreach efforts, and we are hoping to continue these efforts into 2025."
Leah C. Davis, DO, co-chair of the MRS Legislative Committee.
ACR and the ACR Radiology Advocacy Network are ready to help your state chapter with all advocacy needs. Chapters are encouraged to reach out to
Melody Ballesteros, ACR Assistant Government Affairs Director, for their advocacy efforts.
To learn more about state legislative efforts, contact
Eugenia Brandt, ACR Senior Government Relations Director, or
Dillon Harp, ACR Senior State Government Relations Specialist.
Radiology Advocacy Network Hosts Advocacy Training for Trainees
The Radiology Advocacy Network (RAN) recently hosted two webinars to educate and empower radiology trainees about current advocacy issues. These sessions provided valuable information and resources for trainees to effectively engage in advocacy efforts that affect their profession and patient care.
The webinars are available for anyone interested in advocacy and how to get started.
RADVOCACY Webinar
At the 2024 ACR Annual Meeting, the American College of Radiology Association® (ACRA®) named Mark Yeh, MD, FACR, the Radiology Advocacy Network (RAN) Advocate of the Year.
On June 4, Amy Patel, MD, Chair of RADPAC and the Radiology Advocacy Network (RAN), participated in the “House Call on the Mall,” an annual event on Capitol Hill for physician leaders. The event involved nearly 100 physician leaders representing over fifteen specialty physician organizations.
The RADVOCATE Leader Certificate (RLC) is intended for ACR members interested in strengthening their understanding and expertise in critical advocacy components. To complete the program, ACR members must earn 20 credits, within 2 years of registration, which can be earned by completing programs and/or criteria from all aspects of Government Relations: State, RADPAC, RAN, Regulatory, and Economics.
Program and Eligibility:
To complete the program, ACR members must earn 20 credits, within 2 years of registering for the RLC, which can be earned by completing programs and/or criteria from all aspects of Government Relations: State, RADPAC, RAN, and Economics. For information and details on eligibility and the program, please click here. You can also contact Melody Ballesteros, Assistant Director of Government Affairs.
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