There will be new diagnostic imaging requirements for ambulatory centers accredited by The Joint Commission in effect July 1.
Here are five things to know:
1. The Joint Commission has a pre-publication on the standards available on their website.
2. The new requirements address several areas, including:
• Imaging equipment testing and maintenance
• Annual education for staff supporting CT and MRI
• Minimum medical physicist qualifications
• Managing MRI risk
• CT protocol
3. The updates also address data collection on MRI incident and CT radiation dose.
4. The minimum qualifications for CT technologists are not finalized yet and are currently open to public comment.
5. CT protocol management is included in the new standards.