Advocacy

November 17, 2010
Washington State Department of Health
Susan Gragg, Program Manager
Health Professions and Facilities
PO Box 47852
Olympia, WA 98504-7852

 Dear Ms. Gragg,

Founded in 1993 The Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals (SICP) was formed with encouragement from The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) who recognized the need for a professional society to create and maintain professional standards, promote continuing education, and to act as an advocate for the non-physician members of the invasive cardiovascular care team.

The Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals is the only international society dedicated to promoting the professional practice of invasive cardiovascular professionals. SICP extends an invitation for membership to all invasive cardiovascular professionals working in the Invasive Cardiovascular and Electrophysiology Laboratory.

Medical imaging personnel standards are needed to improve the quality of care and increase patient safety. By setting educational and registry standards for personnel who assist with diagnostic/invasive cardiac, vascular and electrophysiology procedures, HB 2430 will help to ensure that quality information is presented for diagnosis, intervention and treatment and professional practice are maintained.

SICP supports the recognition of the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist as an important member of the team of health care professionals supporting physician led procedures in these environments: Cardiac Cath lab, Interventional Radiology, Electrophysiology. SICP supports the amendments to Washington House Bill 2430, specifically those that relate to the invasive cardiovascular profession and RCIS

Thank you,

Tracy L. Simpson BA, RN, RCIS, FSICP

Past President/Interim President 

Advocacy in Action Summer 2010

The SICP Advocacy leadership is currently focusing on strengthening our relationships with physician organizations such as the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI). We are engaging with their advocacy and accreditation committees gaining recognition and support for the RCIS being recognized as the gold standard for the non physician professional working in the ICL.  We have adopted the ICL (invasive cardiovascular laboratory) in favor of CCL (Cardiac catheterization Laboratory) which we feel covers more of the procedures performed in the “hybrid” invasive vascular labs today.

The AQMIRT sponsored CARE Bill currently has 106 co-sponsors on H.R. 3652 and is still awaiting the introduction in the senate by Sens. Mike Enzi (WY) and Tom Harkin (IA). There have been several meetings with the FDA regarding our support for minimum standards for medical imaging, keeping the bill on the legislative radar.

We continue to arbitrate from state to state as issues arise on an individual basis. Our main obstacles remain the use of fluoroscopy, medication administration, and licensure. We had one big win in the state of Washington this spring where the state code was amended to recognize the RCIS and allow the use of fluoroscopy for vascular studies.

Our goal moving forward is achieving state licensure for the RCIS. If any of our members has the ability to help facilitate our mission, please contact the SICP to sign on and help steer our future.

James A. Lincoln RCIS

SICP Advocacy Committee Chair

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