Non-regulated professions requesting ionising radiation examinations

Following reports of non-regulated professions requesting ionising radiation examinations we have issued the following letter to Trusts and Health Boards in partnership with the Society and College of Radiographers.

We have become aware of recent incidents of members of non-regulated professions requesting ionising radiation examinations.

Under Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations IR(ME)R 17 (a), those requesting or referring patients for ionising radiation examinations must be registered healthcare professionals whose profession is regulated by a body mentioned in section 25(3) of the National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002 (b).

While non-ionising radiation imaging examinations, including ultrasound and MRI, are not strictly included in this definition, it is considered best practice that referrals for these investigations are conducted in the same way as ionising radiation examinations.

Although there is no requirement within IR(ME)R 2017 for referrers to be trained in the same way as operators and practitioners, they must be entitled to refer by the employer.  Increasing numbers of professionals can request imaging investigations and it remains the responsibility of the employer to ensure they are professionally regulated and appropriately trained for their scope of practice. 

References
(a)    https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/1322/contents/made
(b)    https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2002/17/contents