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Legislation, Regulations and Advocacy

Legislation, Regulations and Advocacy
Federal Laws and Regulations

Federal legislation has molded the radiologic sciences profession since 1981. Below you will find the intent of some common laws and the regulations that enforce the law.

The Law:
Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981 

The Regulations that Enforce this Law:
42 CFR Part 75 Regulations


The Purpose:

Voluntary standards for states to use in setting accreditation standards for educational programs to train individuals to perform radiologic procedures and certification standards for persons who administer radiologic procedures. The unenforceable 1981 law directs the Health and Human Services Secretary to provide a model law for radiologic procedure safety to the states which makes it unlawful for non-certified individuals to perform radiologic procedures.

The Law:
Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) 

The Regulations that Enforce this Law:
MQSA regulations 


The Purpose:

The Mammography Quality Standards Act requires mammography facilities across the nation to meet uniform quality standards. Congress passed this law in 1992 with subsequent reauthorizations to assure high-quality mammography for early breast cancer detection which can lead to early treatment, a range of treatment options, and increased chances of survival. Under the law, all mammography facilities must be accredited by an FDA-approved accreditation body and undergo an annual MQSA inspection. MQSA contains federally-mandated education, certification and continuing education requirements for mammographers.

The Law:
Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) 

The Regulations that Enforce this Law:
42 CFR 414.68 


The Purpose:

MIPPA requires the Secretary of HHS to designate and approve independent accreditation organizations to review and inspect facilities to ensure standards are being met for facilities billing Medicare for the technical component (TC) of advanced diagnostic imaging services (computed tomography, magnetic resonance and nuclear medicine, including PET).

The Law:
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Medical Uses of Nuclear Materials 

The Regulations that Enforce this Law:
10 CFR, Part 35 


The Purpose:

Federal requirements for the medical use of nuclear byproduct materials for imaging or therapy procedures.