NLR 78/24 - Medical Radiation Technologists Regulations under the Health Professions Act

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR REGULATION 78/24 Medical Radiation Technologists Regulations under the Health Professions Act (Filed November 12, 2024) Under the authority of section 53 of the Health Professions Act , the Newfoundland and Labrador Council of Health Professionals, with the approval of the Minister of Health and Community Services, makes the following regulations. Dated at St. John’s, November 8, 2024. Katherine Peddle Chairperson of the Council John Hogan, KC Minister of Health and Community Services REGULATIONS Analysis 1. Short title 2. Definitions 3. Members register 4. Requirements for registration 5. General status 6. Limited status 7. General temporary status 8. Limited temporary status 9. Conditions or restrictions 10. Continuing education 11. Registration renewal 12. Renewal requirements 13. Failure to renew registration 14. Registration after expiry 15. Designated titles - general status 16. Designated titles - general temporary status 17. Designated titles - limited status 18. Designated titles - limited temporary status 19. Notification of changes 20. Commencement Short title 1. These regulations may be cited as the Medical Radiation Technologists Regulations . 78/24 s1 Back to Top Definitions 2. In these regulations (a) "Act" means the Health Professions Act ; (b) "applicant" means a person who applies to the registration committee for registration under these regulations; (c) "college" means the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Medical Radiation Technologists established under the Act; (d) "continuing education" means a continuing education program developed by the college under paragraph 29(3)(b) of the Act; (e) "discipline" means the practice areas of (i) radiological technology, (ii) radiation therapy, (iii) nuclear medicine technology, or (iv) magnetic resonance technology; (f) "general status" means the status of a member who is registered under section 5; (g) "general temporary status" means the status of a member who is registered under section 7; (h) "hours of medical radiation technology practice" means hours involving direct care, education, research and administration as approved by the college; (i) "limited status" means the status of a member who is registered under section 6; (j) "limited temporary status" means the status of a member who is registered under section 8; (k) "magnetic resonance technologist" means a person registered in the practice area of magnetic resonance technology; (l) "magnetic resonance technology" means the following aspects of the practice of medical radiation technology: (i) the use of electromagnetic fields to obtain pulse sequence data sets and produce high quality diagnostic images, (ii) the education, advocacy and application of magnetic field safety in the protection of patients, health care professionals and the public, (iii) the assessment of patients before, during and after the application of magnetic resonance imaging, (iv) the administration of contrast and pharmaceuticals in the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, (v) the application of knowledge, skills and judgment in the evaluation and interpretation of diagnostic images, and (vi) the performance of a procedure on tissue below the dermis for the purpose of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions; (m) "medical radiation technologist" means a person who is registered in and practices medical radiation technology in one or more of the following practice areas: (i) radiological technology, (ii) radiation therapy, (iii) nuclear medicine technology, and (iv) magnetic resonance technology; (n) "medical radiation technology" means the application of knowledge, skills and judgment in (i) the use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, magnetic fields and other energy forms in the provision of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to achieve optical health, wellness, and functional performance in the human body, and (ii) engaging in research, administration, management, policy or regulation relevant to the activities referred to in subparagraph ( i ); (o) "member" means a member of the college; (p) "nuclear medicine technologist" means a person registered in the practice area of nuclear medicine technology; (q) "nuclear medicine technology" means the following aspects of the practice of medical radiation technology: (i) the use of radiopharmaceuticals and ionizing radiation for the production of high quality images for diagnosis and therapeutic purposes, (ii) the education, advocacy and application of radiation safety in the protection of patients, health care professionals and the public, (iii) the assessment of patients before, during and after the application of nuclear medicine imaging and therapy, (iv) the administration of contrast and pharmaceuticals in the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, (v) the application of knowledge, skills and judgment in the evaluation and interpretation of diagnostic images, and (vi) the performance of a procedure on tissue below the dermis for the purpose of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions; (r) "radiation therapist" means a person registered in the practice area of radiation therapy; (s) "radiation therapy" means the following aspects of the practice of medical radiation technology: (i) the planning for and application of ionizing radiation and other energy forms to patients in accordance with a prescription and instructions from a radiological oncologist, (ii) the education, advocacy and application of radiation safety in the protection of patients, health care professionals and the public, (iii) the assessment of patients before, during and after the application of radiation therapy treatments, (iv) the administration of contrast and pharmaceuticals in the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, (v) the application of knowledge, skills and judgment in the evaluation and interpretation of diagnostic images, and (vi) the performance of a procedure on tissue below the dermis for the purpose of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions; (t) "radiological technologist" means a person registered in the practice area of radiological technology; (u) "radiological technology" means the following aspects of the practice of medical radiation technology: (i) the application of ionizing radiation in the production of high quality diagnostic images for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, (ii) the education, advocacy and application of radiation safety in the protection of patients, health care professionals and the public, (iii) the assessment of patients before, during and after the application of radiological technology, (iv) the administration of contrast and pharmaceuticals in the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, (v) the application of knowledge, skills and judgment in the evaluation and interpretation of diagnostic images, and (vi) the performance of a procedure on tissue below the dermis for the purpose of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions; (v) "registration committee" means the committee established under subsection 19(1) of the Act; (w) "x-ray health professional" means a person registered under section 6 who performs x-ray work in accordance with the x-ray health professional scope of practice; (x) "x-ray health professional scope of practice" means policies adopted by the college which set out the duties permitted to be performed by an x-ray health professional; and (y) "x-ray health professional-temporary" means a person registered under section 8 who performs x-ray work in accordance with the job description provided under section 8. 78/24 s2 Back to Top Members register 3. (1) The register of health professionals maintained by the registrar shall have the following categories for the purpose of registration of members: (a) general status; (b) limited status; (c) general temporary status; and (d) limited temporary status. (2) The registers referred to in paragraphs (1)(a) and (c) shall indicate each discipline in which a member is registered. (3) When a member's name has been added to the register, the registration committee shall issue a certificate of registration which shall be valid for the period of time stated on the certificate and which shall expire at the end of that period, unless renewed or extended in accordance with these regulations. (4) Upon each renewal of registration, the registration committee shall issue a certificate of registration to the member. 78/24 s3 Back to Top Requirements for registration 4. (1) An applicant shall comply with the following registration requirements: (a) submission of a completed application for registration in the form set by the registration committee; (b) payment of any required fees; and (c) provision of the following information as requested by the registration committee: (i) proof of identity by means of a valid photo identification card issued by the province or another government or other proof of identity acceptable to the registration committee, (ii) a current Certificate of Conduct acceptable to the registration committee from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, Royal Canadian Mounted Police or other appropriate policing agency, (iii) a current Vulnerable Sector Check acceptable to the registration committee from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, Royal Canadian Mounted Police or other appropriate policing agency, (iv) a written consent for release of information, (v) a declaration stating (A) that the applicant has never been found guilty of an offence under the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) or a similar penal statute of another country, or (B) the details of the applicant's finding of guilt under the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) or a similar penal statute of another country, (vi) proof of a working knowledge of the English language that the registration committee considers sufficient to enable the applicant to practice in the province, (vii) proof of professional liability insurance of a type and in an amount acceptable to the council, and (viii) other documentation the registration committee considers necessary. (2) In addition to the requirements in subsection (1), where an applicant is applying for registration in more than one discipline the applicant shall (a) indicate on the application for registration each discipline for which the applicant is applying for registration; and (b) pay any required fees for each discipline. (3) In addition to the requirements of subsection (1), where an applicant is currently or was previously licensed or registered to practice medical radiation technology in another jurisdiction, the applicant shall provide a letter of good standing from the licensing or registration body of that jurisdiction. (4) A letter of good standing referred to in subsection (3) shall include confirmation of whether or not the applicant is or has been the subject of investigative or disciplinary proceedings in the jurisdiction and the particulars of those investigative or disciplinary proceedings. 78/24 s4 Back to Top General status 5. (1) An applicant is entitled to be registered with a general status in one or more disciplines where the applicant (a) complied with the requirements of (i) paragraphs 4(1)(a) and (b), subparagraphs 4(1)(c)(i) to (iv) and 4(1)(c)(vi) to (viii) and subsections (2) to (4), and (ii) either (A) clause 4(1)(c)(v)(A), or (B) clause 4(1)(c)(v)(B) and the registration committee is satisfied, after consideration of the details provided under clause 4(1)(c)(v)(B), that the applicant is entitled to be registered; (b) provided proof of the successful completion of a medical radiation technology program of study approved by the college in each discipline for which the applicant is applying for registration; and (c) provided proof of successful completion of a registration exam approved by the college in each discipline for which the applicant is applying for registration. (2) Notwithstanding that the applicant satisfies the requirements in subsection (1), where more than 4 years have elapsed between the submission of the application for registration and either the successful completion of a program of study referred to in paragraph (1)(b) or the successful completion of the registration exam referred to in paragraph (1)(c) or both, the applicant shall provide proof that within the 4 years immediately preceding the application the applicant completed (a) the minimum hours prescribed in subsection (3); or (b) a medical radiation technology refresher course or re-entry program approved by the college in each discipline for which the applicant is applying for registration. (3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(a), the minimum hours required are as follows: (a) where the applicant is applying for registration in one discipline, the applicant shall provide proof of completion of at least 1000 hours of medical radiation technology practice in that discipline; (b) where the applicant is applying for registration in 2 disciplines, the applicant shall provide proof of completion of at least 1000 hours of medical radiation technology practice, with at least 400 hours of medical radiation technology practice in each of the disciplines for which the applicant is applying for registration; and (c) where the applicant is applying for registration in 3 or 4 disciplines, the applicant shall provide proof of completion of at least 400 hours of medical radiation technology practice in each of the disciplines for which the applicant is applying for registration. (4) A member registered under this section is restricted to performing the duties within the disciplines in which the member is registered. 78/24 s5 Back to Top Limited status 6. (1) An applicant is entitled to be registered with a limited status where the applicant (a) complied with the requirements of (i) paragraphs 4(1)(a) and (b), subparagraphs 4(1)(c)(i) to (iv) and 4(1)(c)(vi) to (viii) and subsections (2) to (4), and (ii) either (A) clause 4(1)(c)(v)(A), or (B) clause 4(1)(c)(v)(B) and the registration committee is satisfied, after consideration of the details provided under clause 4(1)(c)(v)(B), that the applicant is entitled to be registered; and (b) provides a declaration, satisfactory to the registration committee, that (i) is signed by applicant and the applicant’s employer, and (ii) states that the applicant engaged in x-ray work in accordance with the x-ray health professional scope of practice within the 4 years immediately preceding the application. (2) Notwithstanding that the applicant satisfies the requirements in subsection (1), where more than 4 years have elapsed between the submission of the application for registration and the successful completion of a program of study referred to in paragraph (1)(b), the applicant shall (a) provide proof that within the 4 years immediately preceding the application the applicant completed (i) at least 400 hours of x-ray work in accordance with the x-ray health professional scope of practice, or (ii) an x-ray refresher course or re-entry program approved by the college; or (b) demonstrate to the satisfaction of the college that the applicant is competent to practise as an x-ray health professional. (3) A member registered under subsection (1) is restricted to performing the duties that are set out in the x-ray health professional scope of practice. 78/24 s6 Back to Top General temporary status 7. (1) An applicant who has not successfully completed the registration exam referred to in paragraph 5 (1)(c) is entitled to be registered with a general temporary status in the discipline for which the applicant is applying for registration where the applicant (a) complied with the requirements of (i) paragraphs 4(1)(a) and (b), subparagraphs 4(1)(c)(i) to (iv) and 4(1)(c)(vi) to (viii) and subsections (2) to (4), and (ii) either (A) clause 4(1)(c)(v)(A), or (B) clause 4(1)(c)(v)(B) and the registration committee is satisfied, after consideration of the details provided under clause 4(1)(c)(v)(B), that the applicant is entitled to be registered; and (b) in the 4 years immediately preceding the application, successfully completed a program of study referred to in paragraph 5 (1)(b). (2) The registration of a member with a general temporary status is valid for the period of time set by the registration committee and is not subject to renewal. (3) A member registered with a general temporary status shall (a) write the registration exam referred to in paragraph 5(1)(c) on the next available registration exam date or another date approved by the registration committee; and (b) notify the registration committee of the date on which the member is scheduled to write the registration exam. (4) Where a member registered with a general temporary status successfully completes the registration exam and continues to comply with the requirements of (a) paragraphs 4(1)(a) and (b), subparagraphs 4(1)(c)(i) to (iv) and 4(1)(c)(vi) to (viii) and subsections (2) to (4), and (b) either (i) clause 4(1)(c)(v)(A), or (ii) c lause 4(1)(c)(v)(B) and the registration committee is satisfied, after consideration of the details provided under clause 4(1)(c)(v)(B), that the applicant is entitled to be registered, the member shall be registered with a general status. (5) Where a member registered with a general temporary status does not successfully complete the registration exam on the next available registration exam date or another date approved by the registration committee, the member's registration shall expire and may not be further extended. (6) A member registered with a general temporary status shall not practice medical radiation technology unless the member is supervised, in a manner acceptable to the council, by a member (a) registered with a general status in the discipline for which the applicant is applying for registration; and (b) whose registration is not subject to conditions or restrictions. 78/24 s7 Back to Top Limited temporary status 8. (1) An applicant who has not successfully completed an x-ray skills program of study referred to in paragraph 6(1)(b) is entitled to be registered with a limited temporary status where the applicant (a) was, immediately before the coming into force of these regulations, employed in the province in a position in which the applicant performed x-ray work; (b) complied with the requirements of (i) paragraphs 4(1)(a) and (b), subparagraphs 4(1)(c)(i) to (iv) and 4(1)(c)(vi) to (viii) and subsections (2) to (4), and (ii) either (A) clause 4(1)(c)(v)(A), or (B) clause 4(1)(c)(v)(B) and the registration committee is satisfied, after consideration of the details provided under clause 4(1)(c)(v)(B), that the applicant is entitled to be registered; (c) provided a job description prepared and signed by the applicant's employer and acceptable to the registration committee; and (d) provided information, satisfactory to the registration committee, regarding educational background, certification background, training history, continuing education, past work experience and other information that the registration committee may require. (2) The registration of a member with a limited temporary status is valid for the period of time set by the registration committee and is not subject to renewal but may be extended by the registration committee. (3) A member registered with a limited temporary status is (a) authorized to perform the duties set out in the job description referred to in paragraph (1)(c ); (b) required to undergo and complete, in the time set by the registration committee, all assessment, training and evaluation activities that may be required by the registration committee; and (c) required to comply with other conditions or restrictions considered appropriate by the registration committee. (4) Upon completion of the assessment, training and evaluation activities required under paragraph (3)(b), the registration committee shall (a) register the member with a limited status; (b) extend the member's registration as a member with a limited temporary status and require the member to complete further assessment, training and evaluation; or (c) terminate the member's registration as a member with a limited temporary status and refuse to register the member with another status. 78/24 s8 Back to Top Conditions or restrictions 9. (1) The registration committee may attach those conditions or restrictions to a registration that the registration committee considers appropriate, including (a) placing limits on the activities the member may perform; and (b) setting requirements for supervision of the member which may include specifics on the form or duration of the supervision. (2) A member shall comply with all conditions and restrictions that are attached to the member's registration by the registration committee. 78/24 s9 Back to Top Continuing education 10. (1) A member shall participate in continuing education as directed by the council. (2) Where a member who is registered with general status, limited status or limited temporary status does not comply with subsection (1), the registration committee may require the member to (a) complete a program of continuing education within a specified period of time ; or (b) undergo a period of supervised practice by a member referred to in subsection (4) whose registration is not subject to conditions or restrictions. (3) Where a member who is registered with general temporary status does not comply with subsection (1), the registration committee may require the member to complete a program of continuing education within a specified period of time . (4) A member who is required to undergo a period of supervised practice under paragraph (2)(b) shall be supervised as follows: (a) where the member is registered with general status in one discipline, the member shall be supervised by a member with general status in the same discipline; (b) where the member is registered with general status in more than one discipline, the member shall be supervised by a member or members with general status in each of the disciplines in which the member being supervised is registered; and (c) where the member is registered with limited status or limited temporary status, the member shall be supervised by a member with (i) limited status, or (ii) general status in the discipline of radiological technology. 78/24 s10 Back to Top Registration renewal 11. (1) The registration committee shall advise each member who is registered with general status or limited status of the expiry date of the member's registration and the renewal date applicable to that registration at the time of the initial registration and upon each renewal of that registration. (2) An application to renew a member's registration shall be made before the expiry date of the member's registration and as directed by the registration committee. 78/24 s11 Back to Top Renewal requirements 12. (1) A member who is registered with general status or limited status is entitled, on application to the registration committee, to have the member's registration renewed under section 11 where the member (a) provides a written consent for release of information as requested by the registration committee; (b) pays the required fees; (c) provides proof of professional liability insurance of a type and in an amount acceptable to the council; (d) provides evidence of the member's participation in or completion of continuing education programs and professional development requirements as directed by the council; (e) provides a declaration stating (i) that, within the past year, the member has not been found guilty of an offence under the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) or a similar penal statute of another country, or (ii) the details of the member's finding of guilt, within the past year, under the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) or a similar penal statute of another country and the registration committee is satisfied, after consideration of the details provided, that the member is entitled to have the member's registration renewed; and (f) provides other documentation the registration committee considers necessary. (2) In addition to the requirements in subsection (1), a member who is (a) registered with general status shall provide proof that within the 4 years immediately preceding the application, the member completed at least (i) 1000 hours of medical radiation technology practice in the discipline for which the member is applying for renewal of registration, where the member is renewing registration in one discipline, (ii) 1000 hours of medical radiation technology practice, with at least 400 hours of medical radiation technology practice in each discipline for which the member is applying for renewal of registration, where the member is renewing registration in 2 disciplines, and (iii) 400 hours of medical radiation technology practice in each discipline for which the member is applying for renewal of registration where the member is renewing registration in 3 or 4 disciplines; and (b) registered with limited status shall (i) provide proof that the member completed at least 400 hours of x-ray work in accordance with the x-ray health professional scope of practice within the 4 years immediately preceding the application, or (ii) provide a declaration, satisfactory to the registration committee, that (A) is signed by the applicant and the applicant’s employer; and (B) states that the applicant competently practised as an x-ray health professional in accordance with the x-ray health professional scope of practice within the 4 years immediately preceding the application. (3) Paragraph (2)(a) only applies where more than 4 years have elapsed since the member successfully completed (a) a program of study referred to in paragraph 5(1)(b ); (b) a registration exam referred to in paragraph 5(1)(c); or (c) a refresher course or re-entry program approved by the college, whichever is later. (4) Paragraph 2(b) only applies where more than 4 years have elapsed since the member successfully completed (a) a program of study referred to in paragraph 6(1)(b); or (b) a refresher course or re-entry program approved by the college, whichever is later. (5) Where a member does not satisfy the requirements in subsection (2), the registration committee may renew the member's registration subject to the terms and conditions the registration committee determines. (6) In addition to the requirements of subsection (1), where the member was, within the 12 months immediately preceding the application for renewal of registration, licensed or registered to practice medical radiation technology in another jurisdiction, the member shall provide a letter of good standing from the licensing or registration body of that jurisdiction. (7) A letter of good standing referred to in subsection (6) shall include confirmation of whether or not the member is or has been the subject of investigative or disciplinary proceedings in the jurisdiction and the particulars of those investigative or disciplinary proceedings. 78/24 s12 Back to Top Failure to renew registration 13. Where a member registered with general status or limited status fails to renew the member's registration on or before the expiry date, the member's registration shall expire and the member's name shall be removed from the register. 78/24 s13 Back to Top Registration after expiry 14. A member whose registration has expired and whose name has been removed from the register under section 13 shall, for the purpose of a subsequent registration, meet the requirements imposed on a new applicant and comply with the applicable requirements of these regulations and with any conditions or restrictions attached to the registration by the registration committee under section 9 . 78/24 s14 Back to Top Designated titles - general status 15. (1) Only a member registered with general status in one or more disciplines shall be entitled to use the title "Medical Radiation Technologist" or an associated derivation or abbreviation. (2) Only a member registered with general status in the practice area of radiological technology shall be entitled to use the title "Medical Radiation Technologist (Radiological)", "Radiological Technologist" or an associated derivation or abbreviation. (3) Only a member registered with general status in the practice area of radiation therapy shall be entitled to use the title "Medical Radiation Technologist (Radiation Therapy)", "Radiation Therapist" or an associated derivation or abbreviation. (4) Only a member registered with general status in the practice area of nuclear medicine technology shall be entitled to use the title "Medical Radiation Technologist (Nuclear Medicine)", "Nuclear Medicine Technologist" or an associated derivation or abbreviation. (5) Only a member registered with general status in the practice area of magnetic resonance technology shall be entitled to use the title "Medical Radiation Technologist (Magnetic Resonance)", "Magnetic Resonance Technologist" or an associated derivation or abbreviation. 78/24 s15 Back to Top Designated titles - general temporary status 16. (1) Only a member registered with general temporary status in one or more disciplines shall be entitled to use the title "Medical Radiation Technologist-Temporary" or an associated derivation or abbreviation. (2) Only a member registered with general temporary status in the practice area of radiological technology shall be entitled to use the title "Medical Radiation Technologist-Temporary (Radiological)", "Radiological Technologist-Temporary" or an associated derivation or abbreviation. (3) Only a member registered with general temporary status in the practice area of radiation therapy shall be entitled to use the title "Medical Radiation Technologist-Temporary (Radiation Therapy)", "Radiation Therapist-Temporary" or an associated derivation or abbreviation. (4) Only a member registered with general temporary status in the practice area of nuclear medicine technology shall be entitled to use the title "Medical Radiation Technologist-Temporary (Nuclear Medicine)", "Nuclear Medicine Technologist-Temporary" or an associated derivation or abbreviation. (5) Only a member registered with general temporary status in the practice area of magnetic resonance technology shall be entitled to use the title "Medical Radiation Technologist-Temporary (Magnetic Resonance)", "Magnetic Resonance Technologist-Temporary" or an associated derivation or abbreviation. 78/24 s16 Back to Top Designated titles - limited status 17. Only a member registered with limited status shall be entitled to use the title "X-ray Health Professional" or an associated derivation or abbreviation. 78/24 s17 Back to Top Designated titles - limited temporary status 18. Only a member registered with limited temporary status shall be entitled to use the title "X-ray Health Professional-Temporary" or an associated derivation or abbreviation. 78/24 s18 Back to Top Notification of changes 19. A member shall notify the council immediately of a change in (a) mailing address; (b) email address; or (c) employer. 78/24 s19 Back to Top Commencement 20. These regulations come into force on the day the Health Professions Act comes into force with respect to the designated health profession of medical radiation technologists. 78/24 s20