Transforming and Supporting Patient Care - Health Professions ...

111Chapter 5 – Scope of Practice of Medical Laboratory Technologyassessment encompasses all aspects of laboratory practice with a view toreducing errors, improving quality, developing processes to ensure a failureresistantsystem and responding to any adverse events. Thiscomprehensive external quality assessment takes place every four years.QMP-LS also provides educational and other resources to assistlaboratories in developing the internal systems and processes required toensure safe, effective laboratory practice.Finally, the MLTA, and the regulations made under both the LSCCLA and thePHA specify those professionals who may order laboratory investigations andfrom whom MLTs and specimen collection centre staff must accept orders forthe performance of specimen collection and laboratory investigation. 31It is evident that there are multiple layers of public protection afforded bythe legislation, regulations, accreditation and quality management oflaboratories and specimen collection centres, in addition to the fact thatMLTs, who make up a significant portion of the laboratory workforce, areregulated health care professionals.How the CMLTO Regulates Its MembersEntry to PracticeIn order to become registered as a member of the CMLTO, one must:• Graduate from an MLT educational program accredited by theCanadian Medical Association (CMA), or from a baccalaureate degreeprogram from a Canadian university whose major course content isrelevant to medical laboratory technology and has been approved bythe CMLTO’s registration committee, or provide proof of priorlearning assessment conducted by the CSMLS that demonstratesequivalency to a Canadian MLT program;• Successfully complete the CSMLS national certification exam in thespecialties in which registration is being sought; 32• Show proof of active engagement in medical laboratory technology inthe three years preceding the application or show proof ofcompletion of a CMLTO-approved refresher course within the threeyears preceding the application.It is currently not a mandatory requirement for registration that MLTs carryprofessional liability insurance, though this is offered as a benefit ofmembership of both CSMLS and OSMT.31MLTA, s. 5(1). O. Reg. 207/94 made under the MLTA, s. 12.O. Reg. 682 made under the LSCCLA,1990, s. 9. O. Reg. 965 made under the Public Hospitals Act, s.24.Ontario Regulation 682 made under the LSCCLA, 1990. s.9(1).Ontario Regulation 683 made under the LSCCLA, 1990. s.5(d).32CSMLS currently offers entry-level medical laboratory technologist certification in three areas:General Medical Laboratory Technology, Diagnostic Cytology and Clinical Genetics. CanadianSociety for Medical Laboratory Science. CSMLS Entry-Level Medical Laboratory TechnologistCertification. November 2005. Available at: www.csmls.org/english/position.htm#book1.HPRAC Critical Links January 2009