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January 2007 update - Q&A on Statutory
Regulation - click here for the
PDF
May 20, 2006
Dear Health Care Professional:
Re: Support for Regulation of Cardiology Technology
I am writing to you on behalf of the Ontario Society of Cardiology
Technologists (OSCT) Legislation Committee. In 2004, New Brunswick
enacted legislation for Cardiology Technologists.
Several other provinces, including Ontario, are also working
diligently to achieve the same goal.
As we move forward with our proposal for inclusion under the
Regulated Health Professions Act (1991), we would appreciate
a letter of support from yourself or your institution to help
strengthen our position and assist us with this endeavour.
In December 2000, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) approved
a recommendation made by the Committee on Conjoint Accreditation
that Cardiology Technology be included in the conjoint accreditation
process as a designated health science profession. The CSCT’s
National Occupational Competency Profile will be used as the
standard to which educational programs may apply for CMA accreditation.
The OSCT is the provincial chapter of the Canadian Society
of Cardiology Technologists (CSCT). For further information
on our professional association please visit www.osct.ca.
A copy of the CSCT’s National Occupational Competency
Profile (NOCP) is available on the CSCT website at www.csct.ca.
Implementing certification standards is of great importance
as the duties and responsibilities of
Cardiology Technologists are significant. Registered Cardiology
Technologists (RCT’s) perform various cardiac diagnostic
tests such as:
• Electrocardiography
• Holter Monitoring and Scanning
• Exercise Stress Testing
• Pacemaker follow-up clinic
We must ensure Cardiology Technologists are competent, qualified,
and highly trained. When the above procedures are performed
incorrectly they can pose a substantial risk of harm to patients.
This goal can be achieved by requiring Cardiology Technologists
to meet national standards through CSCT registration.
The concern of employing non registered health professionals
without the requisite knowledge and ability to accurately carry
out the diagnostic tests is a real one. A clear example of this
was demonstrated in a study published by the Canadian Journal
of Cardiology in 2002 on “Multitasking and the technical
quality of the electrocardiogram” Can J Cardiol.2002 Jan;
18 (1):29-33.
Mohawk College acknowledges the need for highly trained professionals
in the field of Cardiology
Technology and is currently developing a diploma length program
to meet the standards listed in the Cardiology Technology National
Occupational Competency Profile. This will replace the well-
recognized certificate level program currently in place. Mohawk
College has also applied for CMA conjoint accreditation of their
Cardiology Technology program.
Please direct your letter of support to the attention of the
OSCT Legislation Committee at the above address at your earliest
convenience. For further information or clarification I can
be reached at rajinder.virk@mohawkcollege.ca
or by telephone at (905) 540-4247 ext.26721.
Sincerely,
Rajinder Virk, RCTA
OSCT Legislation Committee Member
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