Earlier this month, the CAMRT released a position statement titled “Discontinuing the Use of Gonadal and Fetal Shielding for Patients.” We have received some inquiries from MRTs about the College’s position on this recent statement and would like to take this opportunity to clarify the matter for all regulated members.

To put it briefly, there has been no change made to the provincial regulations or the College’s Standards of Practice regarding the use of radiation protection devices that require your attention or any change that affects your current practice.  

The College’s Standards of Practice state that MRTs should use their professional judgment based on individual patient needs, relevant regulations, employer/organization policies and professional guidelines. The CAMRT is a national association that does not have the authority to determine shielding practices within the province of Alberta. MRTs are legislated to work within the College’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics and are encouraged to consult with their managers or supervisors before communicating external resources with patients contrary to departmental policies or processes.

Many documents help guide a regulated member’s practice, and we encourage you to view these documents on the Resources page of our website. Excerpts from the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics directly related to shielding for patients are provided at the end of this message.

Please note that any questions regarding the CAMRT position statement should be directed to the CAMRT. If you have any questions regarding practice as an MRT or ENP in Alberta, please feel welcome to contact the College at practiceadvisor@acmdtt.com.

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Standards of Practice

Standard 1.1 Patient-Centred Care

To demonstrate this Standard, a regulated member will:

• e. Be aware of the individual needs of patients and patients’ expressed wishes and adapt approach, if appropriate, within the limitations of the procedure (e.g., consider the patient’s cultural, physical, emotional and cognitive needs).

Standard 1.2 Clinical Procedures

To demonstrate this Standard, a regulated member will:

• e. Possess the necessary competence to perform the procedure safely and ethically.
• f. Follow relevant federal and provincial regulations, professional guidelines and employer/organization policies and procedures.
• In addition, regulated members in the specialties of nuclear medicine technology and radiological technology will:
• t. Utilize shielding in accordance with radiation protection principles without compromising the exam (e.g., determine location of radiosensitive tissues/reproductive organs).

Standard 2.6 Communication

To demonstrate this Standard, a regulated member will:

• a. Utilize appropriate strategies to communicate with intended audiences (e.g., use verbal and non-verbal communication, written communication, plain language or an interpreter when available).

Standard 4.2 Safe Practice

To demonstrate this Standard, a regulated member will:

• j. Take necessary measures to ensure patient safety (e.g., hearing protection, dental protection, shielding, side rails).

Code of Ethics

Principle 1 – Responsibility to the public

To demonstrate this Standard, a regulated member will:

• a. Competent care – A regulated member’s primary responsibility is to provide competent service to patients with respect to their individual needs and overall welfare.

Principle 3 – Responsibility to oneself

To demonstrate this Standard, a regulated member will:

• b. Accountability – A regulated member takes responsibility and is accountable for their professional activities.