A Call to Advocate for Better Health Standards
We stand at a pivotal moment in advocating for the safety and transparency of nuclear medicine procedures. A new bill, the Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act, has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This crucial legislation seeks to amend an oversight in current healthcare policy, ensuring the well-being of patients undergoing nuclear medicine procedures.
Why the Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act Matters
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Nuclear medicine is a critical component in diagnosing and treating various conditions, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. However, there exists a loophole in the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) policies that has long overlooked a vital aspect of patient safety: the reporting of extravasations during the administration of radiopharmaceuticals.
An extravasation occurs when a radiopharmaceutical is inadvertently injected into the surrounding tissue instead of the bloodstream, potentially exposing patients to unintended high levels of radiation. This not only poses a risk of injury but also compromises the quality of diagnostic images, affecting patient care. Historically, such incidents have not been required to be reported as medical events, leaving patients uninformed and unprotected. The Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act aims to close this gap by requiring these events to be reported, aligning with the reporting standards for other misadministrations of radiopharmaceuticals. |
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Support from Trusted Organizations
The Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act has garnered strong support from organizations committed to patient safety, healthcare transparency, and the advancement of medical care standards.
Teen Cancer Society: “Our interaction with NRC – and the negative impact that the Commission’s dereliction has on patients – is proof positive of the need for Congressional oversight and legislation. That is why we were gratified to see your introduction of the Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act, which would direct NRC to take the step that the Commission should have taken on its own many years ago.” Read More
Vascular Wellness: "We feel strongly that the bipartisan Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act will effectively result in nuclear medicine providers ensuring they are using the proper tools and techniques to achieve vascular access, and training technologists in best practices." Read More
The Leapfrog Group: "The Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act would eliminate the loophole that currently allows large nuclear medicine extravasations – including those that cause harm or misdiagnosis – to be hidden from patients and from NRC itself." Read More
Patients for Safer Nuclear Medicine: "…We think the Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act will ultimately minimize extravasations, by providing guidelines that nuclear medicine administrators will be able to deploy." Read More
Teen Cancer Society: “Our interaction with NRC – and the negative impact that the Commission’s dereliction has on patients – is proof positive of the need for Congressional oversight and legislation. That is why we were gratified to see your introduction of the Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act, which would direct NRC to take the step that the Commission should have taken on its own many years ago.” Read More
Vascular Wellness: "We feel strongly that the bipartisan Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act will effectively result in nuclear medicine providers ensuring they are using the proper tools and techniques to achieve vascular access, and training technologists in best practices." Read More
The Leapfrog Group: "The Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act would eliminate the loophole that currently allows large nuclear medicine extravasations – including those that cause harm or misdiagnosis – to be hidden from patients and from NRC itself." Read More
Patients for Safer Nuclear Medicine: "…We think the Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act will ultimately minimize extravasations, by providing guidelines that nuclear medicine administrators will be able to deploy." Read More
Your Voice is Crucial
The introduction of the Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act is a significant step towards enhancing patient safety and quality of care. However, to ensure this bill gains the momentum it needs to become law, we are calling on our community to take action.
How You Can Help
- Reach Out to Your Representative: We urge you to contact your U.S. Representative and ask them to support the Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act. A simple email can make a substantial difference. Find your representative.
- Spread the Word: Share this call to action with friends and family. The more people who voice their support, the stronger our message.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the progress of the Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act and continue to advocate for policies that protect patient rights and improve healthcare quality.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Your support for the Nuclear Medicine Clarification Act is not just about changing policy—it's about standing up for patient rights, improving healthcare quality, and ensuring transparency and safety in medical procedures. Let's join hands to advocate for a healthcare system that truly prioritizes the well-being of its patients.