Please take a moment to review recent news and updates from the CRS.

This issue includes updates from the President, Government Affairs Committee, a CME opportunity, sign up to become a Mentor, and much more!

For the first time in over a decade, a group of seasoned leaders and rising stars in the CRS met recently to chart our future course. Beyond re-working our mission statement, we brain stormed to determine what we are doing well and what we could be doing better to serve you, our members. 

We are currently doing some things very well. As was highlighted in last week’s webinar moderated by past-CRS President and our current financial oversight guru Mark Yeh, our local team of government-relations efforts led by Steve Wang and our lobbyist Ryan Spencer makes certain our interests and those of our patients are well represented in the California State Legislature. We also heard from our DC-based team of the Radiology Advocacy Network about ACR’s efforts on the national playing field. These teams of experts do what no other radiological society or group can do: advocate for ALL of radiology and radiation oncology. 

Our strength is not just in the number of members we have (which is, of course, vital) but in the participation of members in attending webinars or other meetings CRS sponsors and becoming part of the leadership of the organization. To engage more members to become active participants in CRS, we will be broadening our committee structure and encouraging YOU to become involved in organized medicine. Watch for communications from our excellent Executive Director Kate Peyser on how you can become an active participant in CRS, or reach out to your local Councilor, whose names are listed here.

CRS and ACR exist for you because of you. The more you’re involved, the more the organizations reflect what you think is important for our profession and the patients we are privileged to serve.

AB 460 (Chen): Expanding Radiology Access

CRS is pleased to sponsor AB 460 (Chen), which makes a narrow but important modernization to California’s radiology supervision laws. Using real-time audio and video technology, the bill allows supervising physicians to remotely monitor radiological technologists, performing contrast injections, rather than being physically onsite. This change brings California into alignment with federal CMS standards and reflects today’s telehealth capabilities.

Crucially, all patient-safety safeguards remain intact: qualified personnel must still be onsite, and facilities are required to follow established protocols for managing adverse events. Compliance is overseen by existing CDPH inspection authority, with no additional regulatory costs or changes to who may perform procedures. The measure aims to improve access to radiologic services in rural and underserved areas without compromising quality or safety. After numerous discussions with the CA Department of Public Health, CRS developed language to address concerns by the Department to ensure only the appropriate personnel are onsite when a radiologist is not. The bill is currently on the Governor’s desk awaiting signature.

The Good and the Bad: AI Legislation

Not all AI legislation is created equal.

With well over 20 individual pieces of legislation on AI, CRS remains actively engaged in those specific bills impacting health care. The good: AB 489 (Bonta); this measure supports innovation while safeguarding patients. It encourages the integration of AI tools that enhance diagnostic accuracy and timeliness, helping radiologists deliver better care. It is currently on the Governor’s desk awaiting signature. 

The (very) Bad: AB 1018 (Bauer Kahan); this bill imposes overly broad regulations that risk slowing the adoption of AI in imaging. Duplicative oversight, costly compliance mandates, and audits by unregulated third-party entities could drain resources from clinical services and drive-up healthcare costs. CRS has been working with a strong health care coalition (providers, health plans, and hospitals) and meeting with legislators to explain why this is poor legislation.  Fortunately, AB 1018 was held on the Senate Floor as a two-year bill and will not be considered for the remainder of the year. The bill is not dead however so we will remain engaged to ensure the harmful provisions are removed or the bill does not move.



Our association continues to advocate for balanced legislation that expands access to care, embraces innovation, and protects patient safety. Bills like AB 460 demonstrate how policy can modernize outdated rules while safeguarding standards. On AI, the goal remains clear: welcome transformative tools but ensure human expertise and patient trust remain at the center of medical care.

In the End

CRS remains actively engaged on many bills impacting radiology and healthcare and has negotiated agreements on several bills, including AB 849 which initially would have required an opt out policy for medical chaperones during sonograms, to mitigate or eliminate potential harm.

Join leaders on the front lines of radiology advocacy for an insightful webinar on the challenges and opportunities in policy work. This session will explore strategic approaches and legislative landscapes at both the federal and state levels. Whether you're an experienced advocate or new to policy, you'll gain valuable, actionable insights to drive impactful change in healthcare. 

Instructions

1. Log in with your ACR credentials. If you do not have an ACR account, you can create one at no cost.
2. On the product page, click Add to Cart, then View Cart.
3. In the cart, select Submit to process your order.
4. On the Order Summary page, click My ACR at the top of the page.
5. Under My Credits, click Login to My Learning Dashboard.
6. In the My Pending Activities tab, locate the module and click the title.

The CRS Resident and Fellows Committee would like to pair radiology residents with knowledgeable mentors who can provide guidance, share experiences, and support them as they navigate their training and career development. By signing up as a mentor, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the next generation of radiologists while building rewarding professional connections. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please fill out the form below.