Re-posted from the ASRT Communities website:

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has introduced a proposal that would allow nurses to, "Order, perform, supervise, and interpret laboratory and imaging studies." The ASRT strongly opposes this measure as only registered radiologic technologists should perform procedures that use ionizing radiation. Certified nurse practitioners do not have the education, experience or skills required to perform highly technical procedures like x-ray, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, vascular-interventional or bone densitometry. This proposal is a threat to patients and registered radiologic technologists.
We encourage all radiologic technologists to join in our effort to oppose this shortsighted proposal. Please submit your comments to the federal government and let them know that you strongly oppose the VA’s efforts to bypass patient safety measures by allowing non-qualified certified nursing professionals to perform medical imaging procedures. You can submit comments to the Federal Register at https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/05/25/2016-12338/advanced-practice-registered-nurses#h-4.  
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Liana Watson, D.M., R.T., RDMS, FASRT, CAE
ASRT Associate Executive Director of Operations and Governance
Executive Vice President, ASRT Foundation
Albuquerque, NM

So far only about 100 RT's have submitted comments to the VA about this proposal.  There are over 150,000 ASRT members alone, so collectively, we should be able garner a much larger response.   

This is a very important issue, as it affects millions of veterans.  They fought for our country, we need to help fight for their right to responsible healthcare.  

Please take a minute to submit a comment to the VA about your opposition to this proposal.  You can also contact your local congressperson and ask them to voice their opposition as well.  Below is a suggested template from Donna Long posted on the ASRT Communities website:

I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs proposal that would allow certified nurse practitioners to, "Order, perform, supervise, and interpret laboratory and imaging studies." Certified nurse practitioners do not have the education, experience or skills required to perform highly technical procedures like x-ray, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, vascular-interventional or bone densitometry. Only registered radiologic technologists should perform procedures that use ionizing radiation because they are the healthcare professionals who are specifically educated and certified in providing safe, high quality imaging studies.