by
Mitzi Roberts, SDMS President
| Nov 07, 2024
Dear SDMS Members,
As we enter November, I wanted to provide an update on the SDMS’ 2024 advocacy efforts on behalf of sonographers. In my August President’s message, I highlighted the SDMS’ focus on securing a future where sonographers are recognized, respected and empowered to provide the best care possible. Advocacy, in a multitude of forms, is one way we work towards this goal.
To ensure the SDMS continues to understand and meet the needs of students working towards entering the sonography profession, the SDMS hosted 38 students from three sonography programs local to the New Orleans area at the 2024 SDMS Annual Conference. The Meet-n-Greet included an overview of the SDMS and SDMS Foundation resources available to sonography students and an opportunity for the students to ask questions of the
SDMS board and staff. It is always invigorating to interact with the future of our profession, and I was excited to see the students’ interest in furthering both their knowledge and the profession as a whole.
Sonography Organizational Liaison Meeting
In September at the
2024 SDMS Annual Conference the SDMS hosted the Sonography Organizational Liaison Meeting. During the meeting, the 44 representatives from the 19 organizations in attendance explored how to advance training and sustain proficiency within the sonography profession.
The discussion centered on two key areas:
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Enhancing Sonographer Development: We discussed the need for a comprehensive framework supporting every stage of a sonographer’s career - from initial education and certification to continuing medical education - ensuring seamless career advancement and proficiency.
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Leveraging Technological Innovations: We discussed how integrating technologies such as artificial intelligence and simulation-based training can enhance learning and clinical performance. These innovations, along with emerging competencies, are essential for developing a future-ready workforce that remains adept and proficient.
Licensure strengthens the professional credibility of sonographers and helps to build the public’s trust and confidence in the sonography profession. The SDMS prioritizes states for sonographer licensure by monitoring proposed new and revised laws, rules, and regulations, focusing on states with favorable legislative environments, and responding to member requests. We are actively advocating for sonographer licensure in the following states.
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District of Columbia: Sonographer licensure bill 25-0545 became law on July 19. The associated rules and regulations are scheduled to be issued within one year of the passage date. Additionally, radiation protection bill 25-0672 (which includes ultrasound) was introduced in July. If enacted, the bill will mandate registration for all ultrasound equipment used within D.C. Legislative staff are working to ensure the bill aligns with the language and requirements of the new licensure law.
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New York: Currently, only licensed healthcare professionals are authorized to administer injections, which include contrast agents, leading to inconsistencies where some facilities permit sonographers to perform this task while others do not. Considering the significant number of sonographers affected, a draft licensure bill and supporting materials are being developed.
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Pennsylvania: Proposed medical imaging and sonographer licensure bill 1281 has been introduced in the Senate and continues to gain support. The 2024 legislative session ends on November 30. If the proposed bill is not addressed by then, it will be reintroduced in January 2025.
As the sonography profession continues to evolve, the SDMS is committed to exploring how to best support your career as a sonographer including ensuring you have the resources and innovative learning opportunities to ensure lifelong competency.
Thank you for your continued dedication to excellence in sonography. I look forward to sharing more with you as our initiatives continue to progress.
Sincerely,
Mitzi Roberts, EdD, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS
SDMS and SDMS Foundation President
To ensure the SDMS continues to understand and meet the needs of students working towards entering the sonography profession, the SDMS hosted 38 students from three sonography programs local to the New Orleans area at the 2024 SDMS Annual Conference. The Meet-n-Greet included an overview of the SDMS and SDMS Foundation resources available to sonography students and an opportunity for the students to ask questions of the SDMS board and staff. It is always invigorating to interact with the future of our profession, and I was excited to see the students’ interest in furthering both their knowledge and the profession as a whole.
Sonography Organizational Liaison Meeting
In September at the 2024 SDMS Annual Conference the SDMS hosted the Sonography Organizational Liaison Meeting. During the meeting, the 44 representatives from the 19 organizations in attendance explored how to advance training and sustain proficiency within the sonography profession.
To ensure the SDMS continues to understand and meet the needs of students working towards entering the sonography profession, the SDMS hosted 38 students from three sonography programs local to the New Orleans area at the 2024 SDMS Annual Conference. The Meet-n-Greet included an overview of the SDMS and SDMS Foundation resources available to sonography students and an opportunity for the students to ask questions of the SDMS board and staff. It is always invigorating to interact with the future of our profession, and I was excited to see the students’ interest in furthering both their knowledge and the profession as a whole.
Sonography Organizational Liaison Meeting
In September at the 2024 SDMS Annual Conference the SDMS hosted the Sonography Organizational Liaison Meeting. During the meeting, the 44 representatives from the 19 organizations in attendance explored how to advance training and sustain proficiency within the sonography profession.
To ensure the SDMS continues to understand and meet the needs of students working towards entering the sonography profession, the SDMS hosted 38 students from three sonography programs local to the New Orleans area at the 2024 SDMS Annual Conference. The Meet-n-Greet included an overview of the SDMS and SDMS Foundation resources available to sonography students and an opportunity for the students to ask questions of the SDMS board and staff. It is always invigorating to interact with the future of our profession, and I was excited to see the students’ interest in furthering both their knowledge and the profession as a whole.
Sonography Organizational Liaison Meeting
In September at the 2024 SDMS Annual Conference the SDMS hosted the Sonography Organizational Liaison Meeting. During the meeting, the 44 representatives from the 19 organizations in attendance explored how to advance training and sustain proficiency within the sonography profession.
To ensure the SDMS continues to understand and meet the needs of students working towards entering the sonography profession, the SDMS hosted 38 students from three sonography programs local to the New Orleans area at the 2024 SDMS Annual Conference. The Meet-n-Greet included an overview of the SDMS and SDMS Foundation resources available to sonography students and an opportunity for the students to ask questions of the SDMS board and staff. It is always invigorating to interact with the future of our profession, and I was excited to see the students’ interest in furthering both their knowledge and the profession as a whole.
Sonography Organizational Liaison Meeting
In September at the 2024 SDMS Annual Conference the SDMS hosted the Sonography Organizational Liaison Meeting. During the meeting, the 44 representatives from the 19 organizations in attendance explored how to advance training and sustain proficiency within the sonography profession.