ASE Submits Comments on Illinois Amendment on the use of Enhanced Radiation Protection Systems

On April 8, ASE submitted comments to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security expressing strong support for proposed amendments to 32 Ill. Adm. Code 360 that would authorize the use of Enhanced Radiation Protection Systems (ERPS) as an alternative to traditional lead aprons during fluoroscopically guided interventional procedures. The letter applauds the Agency’s recognition that heavy lead aprons pose significant ergonomic and musculoskeletal risks to clinical staff, citing research showing cardiac sonographers experience substantially more work-related pain than peer employees.

ASE’s membership includes interventional echocardiographers and sonographers who are routinely present during fluoroscopically guided procedures and would directly benefit from access to nonwearable shielding systems. By enabling facilities to adopt ERPS, the proposed rule has the potential to improve comfort, reduce musculoskeletal injury, and support longer, healthier careers for the echocardiography workforce that supports these critical procedures.