The Joint Commission has released new requirements for diagnostic imaging services that are applicable to hospitals and critical access facilities.
The new requirements stipulate the following:
- Technologists who perform diagnostic CT exams must have advanced-level certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) in CT, or state licensure that allows them to perform diagnostic CT exams; registration and certification in radiography by ARRT; or certification in nuclear medicine technology by ARRT or NMTCB.
- Technologists who conduct diagnostic CT exams must participate in education that prepares them to have advanced-level certification in the modality by January 1, 2018.
- A facility's medical staff determines the qualifications of the radiology staff that use imaging equipment and administer procedures.
- Diagnostic CT protocols are reviewed and kept current with input from an interpreting physician, a medical physicist, and a lead imaging technologist.
The rules will go into effect on September 1, 2016.
