Transforming and Supporting Patient Care - Health Professions ...

132Chapter 6 – Scope of Practice of Medical Radiation TechnologyNuclear medicine is the use of low-level radioactive substances which areinjected, swallowed or inhaled to produce diagnostic images of how thebody functions – for example, bone scans, cardiac stress tests and lungscans. A gamma camera collects data that is then processed by computerto produce images of organs from different angles. Nuclear medicinetechnologists work in hospitals or independent health facilities and areinvolved in all aspects of this imaging modality – from preparing andadministering the radioactive substance to positioning and monitoring thepatient, performing the test and producing the actual images.Magnetic resonance is the use of electromagnetism (static magnetic fieldsand radio frequencies) to produce diagnostic images. Magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI) procedures play a significant role in imaging the brain, spine,abdomen, pelvis and the musculoskeletal system. Magnetic resonancetechnologists do not work with ionizing radiation. However, they mustcarefully screen patients for risks linked with the MRI procedure, such asmetal implants or pacemakers, as these objects could be drawn to themagnet, causing serious damage or even death. Patients may sufferemotional distress or claustrophobia from being placed in the machine’stunnel, and the monitoring of the patient throughout the procedure is partof the technologist’s role. Magnetic resonance technologists work inhospitals and independent health facilities. Magnetic resonance was addedas an MRT specialty in 2003 through amendments to registration regulationsunder the Medical Radiation Technology Act, 1991, 7 and electromagnetismwas added as a prescribed form of energy at the same time. 8According to the College’s 2007 Annual Report, 70% of the College’smembership reports radiology as a primary specialty, 14% report radiationtherapy, 11% nuclear medicine and 5% magnetic resonance. 9Legislative and Regulatory Framework for the Practice ofMedical Radiation TechnologyIn addition to the RHPA and the Medical Radiation Technology Act, 1991,which govern members of the profession, the practice of medical radiationtechnology takes place in a highly regulated environment. Other federal andprovincial legislation and regulations govern the forms of energy used byMRTs to ensure public safety and professional accountability. An MRT maynot perform any task unless it is in accordance with all applicablelegislation and regulations.The Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act (HARP), which regulates the use ofionizing radiation and restricts the use of x-ray machines in Ontario, isparticularly relevant to radiology and radiation therapy. It stipulates thatonly those who meet specific qualifications can operate an x-ray machine,and that the use of x-ray equipment must be ordered by an authorizedhealth professional. Members of the College meet the qualifications for theuse of x-ray equipment. 107Ontario Regulation 866/93 s.1(2) under the Medical Radiation Technology Act, 1991, S.O. 1991, c. 29.8Ontario Regulation 266/03 s.1 under the Medical Radiation Technology Act, 1991, S.O. 1991, c. 29.9College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario. 2007 Annual Report. p. 19.10Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.2, s. 5-7.HPRAC Critical Links January 2009