The U.K. Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) has advised caution over requests for ionizing radiation studies made by physician associates and anaesthesia associates.
The General Medical Council has become established as the regulator for physician associates and anaesthesia associates, who are now able to apply for registration under this regulator. Under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations IR(ME)R, nonmedical professionals working within a clearly defined scope of practice may be granted an entitlement to refer patients for imaging investigations requiring ionizing radiation by their employer. However, additional training is required.
In a statement issued on 29 January, the RCR noted that it would be premature for these associates to undertake this training, recommending that they not request imaging examinations for patients before their scope of practice is agreed upon.
"Given the considerable upset that has been caused by the lack of clarity of the roles of [physician and anaesthesia associates] so far, we hope this will ensure consistency, avoid unnecessary disruption to services, and mean that training can be appropriately targeted," the RCR added.
You can read the full statement here.
