Transforming and Supporting Patient Care - Health Professions ...

109Chapter 5 – Scope of Practice of Medical Laboratory TechnologyMLTs’ scope of practice is defined in the MLTA as follows:The practice of medical laboratory technology is the performance oflaboratory investigations on the human body or on specimens takenfrom the human body, and the evaluation of the technical sufficiency ofthe investigations and their results. 19In addition, MLTs may perform one controlled act, on the order of anauthorized health professional. The MLTA provides that:In the course of engaging in the practice of medical laboratorytechnology, a member is authorized, subject to the terms, conditionsand limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, to takeblood samples from veins or by skin pricking. 20However, the regulations provide for an exemption from the restrictions 21 onthe performance of this controlled act when the taking of blood from a veinor by skin pricking is performed by a person employed by a laboratory orspecimen collection centre licensed under the LSCCLA. 22The MLTA restricts the use of the title “medical laboratory technologist”, avariation or abbreviation or an equivalent in another language. 23In addition to the RHPA and MLTA, MLTs must practise in accordance withthe laws regulating their place of work. Specifically, the LSCCLA establishesthe Laboratory Licensing and Inspection Service whose responsibility it isto set conditions for licensure for laboratories and specimen collectioncentres and to inspect these facilities regularly.The Director of Laboratory and Specimen Collection Centre Licensing, anofficer of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, is responsible forensuring that these conditions are met for the issuance and renewal oflicences. The licence may specify conditions such as the types ofspecimens that are collected in a given specimen collection centre, or thetype or classes of tests that may be performed in a given laboratory. 24 Thegovernment, through the Laboratory Licensing and Inspection Service,plays a significant role in ensuring the safe and effective provision oflaboratory services in the public interest.Ontario Regulation 682, made under the LSCCLA, prescribes severalconditions for the licensure, ownership and operation of laboratories inOntario. Of particular interest to this review are the sections specifying thequalifications of laboratory directors, laboratory supervisors, laboratorytechnologists and laboratory technicians. 25 These stipulate the minimumeducational requirements for these positions but allow the Director of19Medical Laboratory Technology Act, 1991. s.3.20Ibid. s.4.21RHPA, s.27(1).22Ontario Regulation 107/96 made under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, s.11.23Ibid. s.9(1).24Laboratory and Specimen Collection Centre Licensing Act, s.9.25Ontario Regulation 682, made under the LSCCLA, 1990. s.6.HPRAC Critical Links January 2009