Recently, the SDMS advocated against a proposed medical chaperone bill in California, which was signed into law on October 7, 2025. Our efforts helped remove one of the most burdensome provisions, the requirement that another sonographer act as the chaperone for sensitive exams. This change prevents increased workload, staffing challenges, and undue pressure on sonographers. It may not make headlines, but this is exactly the kind of behind-the-scenes advocacy that protects our profession and improves your day-to-day work.
Additionally, the SDMS voiced strong opposition to Michigan HB 4399/SB 268, which would expand the nurse practitioner scope of practice to include ordering, performing, supervising, and interpreting imaging studies. We urged legislators to clarify whether the bill’s language was meant to include sonography and, if so, to remove it entirely. This kind of advocacy helps protect patient safety, uphold professional imaging standards, and ensure that only qualified healthcare providers may order, perform, supervise, and interpret ultrasound exams.
Advocacy takes persistence. Sometimes it means stopping harmful legislation. Sometimes it means improving it. Sometimes it means building long-term relationships so that future decisions are made with our input from the start. No matter the approach, the SDMS is relentlessly focused on protecting your ability to provide high-quality care.
I am thankful to be part of a society that not only values its members but actively fights for them. I am thankful for the volunteers and staff who dedicate their time to this work. And I am especially thankful for you and your trust in the SDMS to represent our shared interests.
Together, we will continue to advocate, advance our profession, and ensure that sonographers are recognized and supported in every setting.