Transforming and Supporting Patient Care - Health Professions ...

133Chapter 6 – Scope of Practice of Medical Radiation TechnologyIn June 2007, the HARP Commission reported on a comprehensive studyconducted on all facets of computed tomography. It recommendedenhancements to HARP Act and to standards and guidelines on radiationdoses and radiation emitting devices in Ontario. 11The Nuclear Safety and Control Act came into force in 2000. It established theCanadian Nuclear Safety Commission to protect the health, safety andsecurity of Canadians, as well as the environment, by regulating the properuse of nuclear energy through its licensing authority. A number ofregulatory and licensing requirements impact on MRT practice, as theyregulate the use of nuclear energy (radiation and radiopharmaceuticals)and stipulate safety requirements that must be in place for the protection ofboth workers and patients. 12 Radiation protection regulations have beenestablished under the Act, including those that apply specifically to theadministration of nuclear substances for medical purposes. 13In addition, MRTs are subject to the imaging and patient safety protocolsestablished in the settings where they practise – namely, hospitals, cancercentres and independent health facilities. 14 These will vary by setting anddepartment, or the type of equipment, but are largely developed inconjunction with radiologists.Medical Radiation Technologists’ Current Scope of PracticeIn Ontario, the legislative framework for regulated health professionsencompasses the RHPA and a series of profession-specific Acts, includingthe Medical Radiation Technology Act, 1991. The RHPA lists a series ofcontrolled or restricted activities that, if performed by unqualifiedindividuals, pose a substantial risk of harm to patients.The Medical Radiation Technology Act, 1991 currently defines the scope ofpractice for medical radiation technology as follows:The practice of medical radiation technology is the use of ionizingradiation and other forms of energy prescribed under subsection 12(2)to produce diagnostic images and tests, the evaluation of the technicalsufficiency of the images and tests, and the therapeutic application ofionizing radiation. 1511Healing Arts Radiation Protection Commission Report. June 2007. p.3.12Nuclear Safety and Control Act, 1997. s. 3.13Radiation Protection Regulations, S.O.R./2000-203 under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.14The Independent Health Facilities Act, 1990, sets the requirements for licensure of independenthealth facilities. The Public Hospitals Act, 1990, governs the activities that take place within publichospitals.15Medical Radiation Technology Act, 1991, S.O. 1991, c. 29, s.3.HPRAC Critical Links January 2009