Dear AuntMinnie Member,
The Joint Commission this month issued its long-awaited accreditation standards for imaging services providers in U.S. hospitals and ambulatory care centers. The new rules offer some clarification on what the group is expecting regarding MRI safety and radiation dose management, although some experts say more guidance would be helpful.
The Joint Commission issued an initial version of the requirements a year ago, with the goal of implementing them in July 2014, but later decided to postpone final implementation. With this month's announcement, imaging facilities can begin getting their ducks in a row in preparation for when the rules take effect in July.
The standards include sections dealing with both MRI safety and CT radiation dose. And while many experts would like more specifics on the issues, they believe the standards indicate that the Joint Commission is paying attention to both topics.
Learn more by clicking here, or visit our MRI Community at mri.auntminnie.com.
While you're there, but sure to check out this story on a group from Ohio that developed a dedicated pediatric MRI scanner by modifying an extremity orthopedic unit.
More Birnholz
Dr. Jason Birnholz is back with his first contribution of the new year in his Practice of Ultrasound series. In his latest column, Dr. Birnholz discusses the challenges of developing new technology in the current era. Check it out by clicking here, or visit our Ultrasound Community at ultrasound.auntminnie.com.
