The profession
Diagnostic medical sonographers are an essential part of the multidisciplinary healthcare provider team. Their role get more critical for optimum care because ultrasound imaging is essentially an operator dependant and dynamic modality.Diagnostic Information collected while performing the examination in the form of pictures and impression data plays a critical role in establishing a correct diagnosis, therefore, they have a crucial part to contribute to the diagnostic care and management of a patient.There are different areas of specialization within the field including general, obstetrics, vascular, and musculoskeletal ultrasounds.They either work in public healthcare facilities or private radiology clinics.
The journey to regulation of DMS
As per ACMDTT:
In 2013, sonographers made a decision to pursue regulation. The Alberta Diagnostic Sonographers Association (ADSA) approached the College.
In 2014, Alberta Health declared its support of the regulation of DMSs through the College.
In 2016, the HPA was amended to provide the pathway for assurance of public protection, leading to greater public awareness and confidence in what diagnostic medical sonographers practice.
In 2021, it is expected that regulations will be passed by the Alberta Government that will declare DMSs to be officially regulated through our college.
Regulatory college ACMDTT versus association ADSA
In Alberta ADSA has approached ACMDTT for taking sonography practitioners under its umbrella of regulation.Regulation of sonography profession is under the process and DMS title is not protected at present, and unfortunately public of Alberta Don’t have their voice for the safety concerning diagnostic medical sonographic. ACMDTT was proclaimed as college under HPA in 2005.The College provides assurance to the public that its members are highly trained health professionals and are accountable for the quality of care they provide.All data base of registered members is made available to the public.The basic duty of the college is to protect the public interests.
Associations are there to act in the best interest of its members.Although their ultimate aim is to promote the standards of healthcare, nonetheless their role is more of promotion of wellbeing of the community members so that they can contribute more to the profession.
Recently the Bill 46 has brought many amendments to the HPA.According to this bill colleges are not permitted to do the functions of an association.Therefore, ADSA now has to shoulder more responsibilities to connect the community as an association of the local province.