Essential Competencies
Condensed Guidelines
Decision Chart

Essential Competencies

Introduction
Legislation, Standards and Ethics
Equipment and Materials
Diagnostic Examinations and Radiation Treatment
Safe Practice
Relationship with Patients
Records and Reporting


M.R.T.s operate equipment, apply ionizing radiation and electromagnetism (static magnetic fields and radio frequencies) and administer radiopharmaceuticals, all of which could be dangerous if used incorrectly. Therefore, they endeavour to reduce the risk of harm to their patients, to themselves, to their colleagues and to any other individuals who may be present in the practice environment, at all times and in every aspect of their practice.

Essential Competency:
M.R.T.s must have the knowledge, skills and judgment to practise safely by adhering to all relevant provincial and federal legislation and guidelines, departmental protocols and policies, and manufacturers’ directions pertaining to health and safety. In the event of any unexpected problems or emergencies, M.R.T.s must be competent and prepared to handle or to assist in the management of the situation.

Indicators
All M.R.T.s must:
a) observe all departmental policies and relevant provincial and federal legislation and guidelines pertaining to health and safety, such as the:
  1. Regulated Health Professions Act and its regulations;
  2. Medical Radiation Technology Act and its regulations;
  3. Public Hospitals Act and its regulations;
  4. Independent Health Facilities Act and its regulations;
  5. Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act and its regulations;
  6. Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations;
  7. Health and Welfare Canada Health Protection Branch guidelines;
  8. Nuclear Safety and Control Act and its regulations and licenses issued there under;
  9. X-Ray Equipment in Medical Diagnosis Part A: Recommended Safety Procedures for Installation and Use (Safety Code 20A); and
  10. As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle;
b) conduct appropriate quality control tests for all equipment and substances to be used in an examination or treatment session;
c) take corrective action if quality control tests are not within acceptable limits;
d) only use substances before their expiry time or date;
e) verify the patient’s identity for all treatment procedures and examinations;
f) ascertain whether any female patient, age 10 – 55, might be pregnant, and make necessary explanations, referrals or implement essential restrictions;
g) notify the patient’s physician, radiologist or radiation oncologist of any contraindications to the ordered procedure and obtain permission to proceed or halt the procedure;
h) take into account the patient’s physical and emotional limitations, and ensure that the patient will not be expected to perform any task or movement that would cause physical harm;
i) ensure that no equipment can injure a patient;
j) use the ALARA principle to minimize the patient’s exposure to radiation and electromagnetism (static magnetic fields and radio frequencies) for any given examination or procedure;
k) use shielding/protective devices where indicated;
l) initiate emergency response procedures, notify a physician (if possible), and assist in or carry out emergency treatment as required, if a patient suffers any adverse reaction to treatment or to substances administered orally, by injection, inhalation or through or into the rectum or artificial opening into the body;
m) use appropriate aseptic techniques and infection control procedures in the course of examinations or treatment;
n) protect themselves, their colleagues, other members of the health care team, any other individuals who may be present, as well as any patient, from any unnecessary exposure to radiation;
o) ensure all immobilization devices immobilize the patient in the treatment or examination position appropriate to the procedure specified in the patient’s chart/order according to departmental policy;
p) assess the patient’s condition during the course of treatment or procedure; and
q) remove all markers and all accessory equipment/devices before the patient is dismissed;

In addition, all M.R.T.s in the specialties of radiography, nuclear medicine and magnetic resonance must:
r) ascertain whether any female patient, age 10 – 55, might be nursing, and make necessary explanations, referrals or implement essential restrictions;

In addition, all M.R.T.s in the specialty of magnetic resonance (MR) must:
s) ensure that there are no contraindicators present that could harm the patient or would exclude the patient from having the examination; and
t) ensure that all equipment and devices, both patient-specific and accessory, are MR compatible before being brought into the MR area;

In addition, all M.R.T.s in the specialty of radiation therapy must:
u) label and orient all patient-specific ancillary equipment.
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