* Requesting Research Funding: SNM continues its work to restore federal funding for basic science research in nuclear medicine, formerly funded under the Office of Biological and Environmental Research Medical Applications and Measurement Science program. A report from the National Academy of Sciences on the state of the science in nuclear medicine is expected soon, the result of a 13-month project. The ''State of the Science in Nuclear Medicine'' study will look at the future of the radiopharmaceutical sciences, including computational and instrumental needs, impediments to the approval and distribution of radiopharmaceuticals, impact of isotope shortages and lack of federal funding for nuclear medicine basic science and clinical research.
* Decrying Medical Imaging Cuts: SNM will continue to ask members of Congress to reconsider the deep cuts made in medical imaging services for Medicare beneficiaries as part of the federal Deficit Reduction Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 2005. SNM is a member of the Access to Medical Imaging Coalition. AMIC released a study that shows total reimbursement for imaging services in physician offices and imaging centers will fall approximately 18-19 percent below total reimbursement for similar services provided in hospital outpatient departments as a result of the DRA. The report serves as further proof that issues such as patient access and patient care must be assessed prior to further implementation of the cuts.
* Facilitating Drug Guidelines: SNM continues to participate in discussions about evolving Food and Drug Administration guidelines for the review and approval of radiopharmaceuticals and interact more with industry representatives to promote therapeutic drug development, the use of novel molecular therapeutics and the development of new diagnostics.
* Promoting Standards: SNM's Technologist Section, a member of the Alliance for Quality Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy-a group of 20 radiologic science organizations representing more than 350,000 imaging technologists, radiation therapists, and medical physicists-continues its support of the Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy bill (CARE bill). The CARE bill requires personnel performing medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures to meet minimum education and credentialing standards in order for the procedures to be eligible for Medicare reimbursement.
