March 2024 Update

Dear members,

I hope this message finds you well. I would like to provide you with an update on our legislative efforts and the progress we have made thus far.

Before I get into the update, I wanted to let everyone know that in August of 2023 I retired from the University of South Alabama.  It has been a big adjustment, albeit a wonderful adjustment to my life.  I am adjusting to my schedule of not having a schedule.  The 2024 legislative session came and went before I even knew it.  This has not decreased my desire to achieve licensure, but it has thwarted my efforts in 2024.  I do plan to continue my efforts in 2025 and want all my colleagues to know that I will be more “on top of things” for the upcoming year.  I do hope that with the introduction of the video from ASRT entitled It’s Time To Be Seen that the public will be made aware of the importance of our profession.  I am hoping that this will be an impetus in 2024 for our efforts in the future. 

Throughout the previous years, we have faced various challenges that have led to a slowdown in our activities during the 2023 legislative session. However, we have made significant strides since the introduction of SB217 and HB369 in 2022. As we look ahead to the 2025 session, our plan is to work diligently with legislators and key stakeholders to address the concerns raised by the opponents of our bill.

In the coming months, we will engage in productive discussions with advanced practice nurses and the Alabama Hospital Association as well as the Alabama Medical Association to clarify any misunderstandings and address their interpretations of the bill. Through open dialogue and a shared goal of benefiting our profession and the citizens of Alabama, we aim to find common ground and reach a consensus. It is essential to build understanding and collaboration among all stakeholders involved.

To advance our cause, we will initiate discussions with Representatives and Senators, helping them understand the significance of our legislation. Our focus will be on Health Committee members from both the House and the Senate, ensuring they are educated and well-informed about the importance of this legislation for the people of Alabama.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals who have actively supported our cause thus far. Your voices, both individually and collectively, have played a crucial role in raising awareness and garnering support for our efforts. Together, we have made a compelling case for the importance of competent and educated professionals providing radiographic imaging and therapy to the people of Alabama.

As we move forward into 2025, I urge each one of you to remain vigilant and continue speaking out in support of our cause. Reach out to your state representatives in both the House and the Senate, emphasizing the significance of our profession and the need for appropriate regulation. Engage with your family members, colleagues, and anyone willing to listen, helping to raise awareness and build support throughout the community.

Our grassroots efforts have been instrumental in the progress we have achieved thus far, and they will continue to be crucial in the months ahead. There are many of you that have shown an interest in this effort, and I will be reaching out to you over the next few months.  If there are others interested in contributing to these efforts, please visit our Contact Us page and let us know. Your involvement is invaluable, and every voice counts.

I remain optimistic that 2025 will be a pivotal year for our legislative goals. The ALSRT Board and the Legislative Committee are committed to pursuing our objectives with unwavering determination. Together, we can ensure that the citizens of Alabama receive the highest quality radiographic imaging and therapy services.

Thank you for your ongoing support and let us prepare to make 2025 a year of success!

Sincerely,

M.D. Smith

Dale Smith, Ed.D, R.T.(R)(ARRT)
ALSRT Executive Board Member &
Legislative Committee Chair