The Final Rules have finally been released for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Patient System (OPPS); from a regulatory affairs standpoint, we can truly begin to look ahead into 2026.

As we enter the new year, the ever-growing AHRA Regulatory Affairs Committee remains focused on continuing to address the evolving regulatory landscape in medical imaging and healthcare policy, focusing on what AHRA members need to know to be most successful in their roles.

A continued focus in 2026 will be the support of the multi-organizational Remote Scanning Task Force. We are in the process of revising the published guidance document “MR Remote Scanning: Insight on Key Areas of Consideration for MR Remote Scanning Programs,” to accommodate CT remote scanning considerations. This will be published in the first quarter of 2026.

Throughout next year, we will continue our vigilant watch on federal policy developments. You can expect us to keep an eye on key items such as:

• The Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act (MARCA)
• Site-neutral payment expansions
• Prior authorization legislations
• Annual proposed changes to the MPFS and OPPS for 2027

The committee, supported by our outside experts, Capitol Associates, will continue to closely monitor broader reforms, such as the Statutory Pay-as-You-Go (PAYGO) Act’s potential impact on Medicare funding and the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which could significantly affect insurance coverage in 2026 and beyond. These issues are being tracked for their downstream effects on imaging providers and patient access.

Recognizing the importance of cross-sector collaboration, AHRA will continue to actively engage with organizations like the American College of Radiology (ACR), the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), Radiology Business Management Association (RBMA), and corporate partners to align regulatory positions and share insights. In addition to known areas of shared interest, such as remote supervision, there is no doubt that new issues will emerge in 2026 that will further discussions and collaboration.

As the healthcare landscape continues to shift, AHRA’s Regulatory Affairs Advisory Board is positioned as a dynamic force for member advocacy and policy influence. With a focus on transparency, responsiveness, and strategic foresight, the board is committed to shaping regulatory outcomes that support imaging professionals and enhance patient care.

From monitoring legislative developments to amplifying member concerns, AHRA’s regulatory mission for 2026 reflects a proactive, inclusive, and data-informed approach — one that ensures the voice of AHRA radiology leadership is heard by all appropriate industry stakeholders. We look forward to continuing our work in the new year and serving the medical imaging community.