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102Chapter 5 – Scope of Practice of Medical Laboratory TechnologyREVIEW OF THE SCOPE OF PRACTICE OFMEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGYIntroduction and Scope of HPRAC’s ReviewThe College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO), theOntario Society of Medical Technologists (OSMT) and the Canadian Societyfor Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) submitted a joint response toHPRAC’s questionnaire on the review of the scope of practice of medicallaboratory technology. 1 HPRAC carefully considered this submission, as wellas input from extensive research and consultation, in developing itsrecommendations.The joint submission was divided into two parts. Part A requested changesto the scope of practice of medical laboratory technology and wassupported by all three proponents. Part B was a request to regulate medicallaboratory assistants/technicians (MLA/Ts). Part B request was notsupported by the OSMT.While medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) are regulated healthprofessionals with the knowledge, skill and judgment to perform laboratoryanalyses that provide critical information to physicians and other healthprofessionals, MLA/Ts are individuals who perform, under directsupervision, laboratory functions that require limited technical skill andresponsibilities. 2 MLTs are educated at the post-secondary level and mustpass a national certification exam. The minimum educational requirementfor MLA/Ts is completion of high school. This is supplemented byvocational and/or on-the-job training. The OSMT has, for the last 20 years,offered a certification exam for MLA/Ts who have completed a recognizedtraining regime.HPRAC reviewed the rationale for the request to regulate MLA/Ts, heldmeetings with key stakeholders and conducted preliminary research on theissues raised in the submission. HPRAC determined, however, that theanalysis of whether to regulate a new profession is much different than theconsideration of whether to alter the scope of practice of an alreadyregulated profession. In October 2008, HPRAC notified the proponents andthe Minister of Health and Long-Term Care of its decision to deferconsideration of the regulation of MLA/Ts and suggested that it wouldreview this matter in the context of a separate request for advice by theMinister. The research, consultations and recommendations referred to inthis report relate solely to the review of the scope of practice of MLTs.1College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario, Ontario Society of Medical Technologists,Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science. Submission to Health Professions RegulatoryAdvisory Council Regarding Medical Laboratory Technologists’ Scope of Practice, Regulation ofMedical Laboratory Assistants/Technicians. June 30, 2008.2Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Laboratory Technicians. June 1996. Available at:www.cmlto.com/public/technician_assistant/pdf/mohltc_mlat_duties.pdf.HPRAC Critical Links January 2009