Transforming and Supporting Patient Care - Health Professions ...

144Chapter 6 – Scope of Practice of Medical Radiation TechnologyNew Zealand has a “controlled acts” model, which identifies six acts thatmust be restricted to qualified individuals; however, none of these applydirectly to MRTs. The scope of practice of MRTs, as defined by the NewZealand Medical Radiation Technology Board, is very similar to that ofOntario, Alberta and Quebec.In Australia, there is not a single regulatory model across the country asvariations are found in state legislation in definitions of MRT and thedisciplines that fall within the practice of the profession.In Great Britain, medical radiation technology is a self-regulated professionand MRTs fall under the regulatory purview of the Health ProfessionsCouncil. The Health Professions Council establishes educational and trainingrequirements and standards of conduct and performance. The Society ofRadiographers 56 supports the profession by developing scope of practicedocuments and other information for the safe practice of radiography.Perspectives from the ConsultationsConsultations were designed to gain additional information, perspectivesand understanding of issues, benefits and risks associated with the changesproposed to the scope of practice of medical radiation technology.HPRAC received comments from various organizations and individuals,either through written submissions or consultation meetings.Six written responses were submitted – from the Canadian Association ofMedical Radiology Technologists, the Ontario Association of RadiologyManagers, the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario, the OntarioHospital Association, the Ontario Medical Association and a practising MRT.In general, the submissions indicated support for the proposed changes.Some submissions offered qualified support pending clarification of someproposals, while others indicated support specific to certain controlled actsthat impact on their professions. HPRAC has considered these responses inits analysis and recommendations. All of the written responses are availableon HPRAC’s website.At the beginning of the consultations, a meeting was convened with theCollege and Association to review their joint submission and gain a betterunderstanding of the role that MRTs play in the provincial health system, aswell as the rationale for the request and the consequences of the proposedchanges.Meetings were held with educators on the implications of the proposedscope enhancements for provincial teaching programs and on the teachinginstitutions’ capacity to address any gaps in the current curriculum.Representatives of hospitals and independent health facilities wereconsulted to obtain their perspective on how the changes would affect theprovision of diagnostic services to their patients. Radiologists and other56MRTs are referred to as radiographers in Great Britain.HPRAC Critical Links January 2009