May 2026—Washington Update is a monthly publication by RSNA Government Relations, intended to deliver updates regarding current federal policy developments and to highlight RSNA’s initiatives to advance the Society’s policy objectives. All material featured in this newsletter reflects the most current information available at the time of release.

RSNA in Action

RSNA Joins Coalition to Reject Proposed Health IT Cuts for FY 2027

RSNA recently joined a coalition of 13 organizations urging Congress to oppose the Trump Administration’s proposed 30% reduction in funding to the HHS Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) in Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. ONC plays a critical role in supporting patient-provider relationships by ensuring that health information can be shared across care settings. Furthermore, ONC’s work also helps in advancing innovation in AI, precision medicine and cybersecurity. RSNA will continue advocating for sustained federal investment that supports innovation, protects patients and enhances healthcare providers' ability to provide quality care. Read the letter. 

RSNA Joins NIBIB Efforts to Advance Radiology Research

RSNA joined the Friends of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) coalition in March to support efforts aimed at increasing public awareness and support for NIBIB’s scientific and training programs. NIBIB funds research in biomedical imaging and informatics. RSNA staff participated in the Friends of NIBIB April leadership meeting to set priorities for the year ahead. RSNA looks forward to supporting coalition efforts that demonstrate how NIBIB-funded research advances radiology practice and improves patient care nationwide.

RSNA Submits Testimony to Senate Appropriators on Radiology’s Critical Role in Patient Care

Chair of the RSNA Board of Directors, Carolyn Meltzer, MD, submitted written testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies on May 22. In her testimony, Dr. Meltzer urged members of Congress to provide $51.3 billion in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in FY27. Dr. Meltzer emphasized the central role of radiology and medical imaging in enabling timely diagnosis, coordinated decision-making and high-quality patient care across the clinical setting. Read the testimony.  

Federal Policy Update

National Science Board Dismissal and Implications for Medical Research

On April 24, President Trump dismissed all members of the National Science Board (NSB), the independent governing body that oversees the National Science Foundation (NSF). While most federal research funding for medical imaging and radiology research flows through the NIH, NSF-supported research contributes to foundational advances in imaging science, data infrastructure and engineering that ultimately inform clinical innovation. Reduced independent oversight of the NSF may weaken the broader research ecosystem that supports radiologists, multidisciplinary care teams and the development of new tools that improve patient diagnosis and care. 

The Midterm Landscape: Health Policy in an Election Year 

The 2026 midterm elections are less than six months away and will offer a critical measure of voter priorities, while shaping the political momentum and governing agenda of both parties. The Nov. 3 elections will determine whether Republicans retain unified control of Congress, an advantage that has enabled President Trump to advance much of his agenda during his second term. Historically, midterm elections frequently shift control of Congress, often with the President’s party losing seats, particularly in the House of Representatives.

While economic concerns remain the top priority for most voters, polling consistently shows strong bipartisan support for federally funded medical research. As campaigns intensify, members of Congress may refine their positions on key policy issues, including healthcare and medical research.

Ultimately, a shift in which party controls the House or Senate would limit President Trump’s ability to advance his agenda, shaping federal health and medical research policy with consequences for radiology, providers and patients.

In The News

STAT News: In her own words: Surgeon general nominee Nicole Saphier expresses enthusiasm and caution for MAHA

President Trump nominated Nicole Saphier, director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth, for the position of U.S. Surgeon General. The nomination of Dr. Saphier at the end of April comes after a near year-long process of confirming Casey Means for the role, after which President Trump ultimately withdrew Means’s nomination after immense congressional backlash on this original choice. If confirmed, Dr. Saphier would become the first radiologist to hold the position as the nation's top doctor.  

Business Wire: VisualDx and Perplexity Bring Clinician-Trusted Medical Imagery into Generative AI

In early May, digital health company VisualDx and AI company Perplexity announced a partnership that integrates clinician validated medical images into generative AI tools. Under the collaboration, VisualDx content will be included within Perplexity’s Premium Health Sources, which also include the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), The BMJ, EBSCO Information Services, American Heart Association, among others. The tool will allow users to view trusted medical images alongside AI-generated explanations of conditions that rely on visual diagnosis.

STAT News: Immigration changes are driving foreign researchers to leave the U.S. — or not come to begin with

Ongoing immigration restrictions and travel requirements are increasingly causing concern for foreign-born researchers. Scientists working on H‑1B and related visas have raised concerns about their safety and general ability to travel to international conferences, visit family, etc., with delays or changes to reentry rules pulling them away from labs and research teams for extended periods. In some cases, these uncertainties have led researchers to reconsider U.S. based positions or pursue opportunities abroad, raising concerns about the long-term stability of the research workforce at U.S. academic medical institutions. 

Becker's Hospital Review: OpenAI releases healthcare AI policy blueprint

OpenAI released its healthcare AI policy guide outlining its recommendations for how AI should be used and regulated in U.S. healthcare. The document calls for expanded patient access to medical data, greater interoperability across health systems, and clearer regulatory pathways for AI-enabled tools. 

Becker's Hospital Review: PAs, CRNAs face tighter federal loan caps under final rule: 6 things to know

In late April, the U.S. Department of Education finalized a rule establishing new federal student loan borrowing limits for graduate and professional students. Beginning this summer, loans available to individuals for training as advanced practice providers (APPs), including physician assistants, will be classified as graduate programs rather than professional programs and subject to lower annual federal loan caps. 

Contact RSNA Government Relations with questions or feedback.

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