Ontario Introduces Legislation to Protect Ultrasound Patients and Practitioners
OTTAWA, April 13, 2018 /CNW/ - Patients in Ontario that are required to undergo a diagnostic ultrasound procedure will now receive a higher standard of care than ever before, thanks to the recently passed "Strengthening Quality and Accountability for Patients Act" that includes Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (DMSs) becoming regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) by the College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario (CMRTO).
DMSs are highly trained medical professionals that use high-frequency sound waves to produce visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body. Diagnostic ultrasound is commonly used in the diagnosis and treatment of various abnormalities in the body including abdomen, breasts, prostate, reproductive organs, heart, blood vessels, and other areas. It is also the main screening tool used to monitor fetal development in pregnant women.
The new regulation aims to protect the public by establishing minimum practice standards that will create accountabilities for DMSs and ensure patients receive safe and competent care. Regulation of the profession will legitimize the educational qualifications for DMSs and will raise the profile and credibility of the profession within the health care industry.
"The work of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is integral to the strength of our health care system. The regulation of these highly trained medical professionals ensures patients across Ontario have access to safe and accurate diagnostic services. Our government is improving oversight and transparency of ultrasound imaging in order to deliver the highest-quality patient care." – John Fraser, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
Greg Toffner, and the Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences (OAMRS) were instrumental in demonstrating the need for regulation within the profession. Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, John Fraser, lead the work with government as chair of the Health, Education and Social Policy Committee, continuously moving the regulation forward.
"As the Association representing the Sonography profession in Ontario, we (OAMRS) have been working collaboratively with the Ontario government to achieve this regulation on behalf of Sonographers and in the public interest. This achievement would not have been possible without the unrelenting work and support of PA Fraser continuing to push the initiative through the legislative process." — Greg Toffner, President and CEO, OAMRS
DMSs now join 28 other health professions regulated under the RHPA. DMSs will be required to pass an accredited college or university program and a certification exam approved by the CMRTO to receive their protected title that will allow them to practice the profession in Ontario.
OAMRS is currently on a cross province tour educating Sonographers, other health professionals and the public about the new regulation. For more information please, visit OAMRS.org.
SOURCE Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences (OAMRS)
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