The 2016 diagnostic imaging center Joint Commission standards are now in effect. The new updates specify modalities that improve MRI and radiation safety for patients and medical staff in hospitals.
2016 diagnostic imaging center guidelines
In response to a wave of excess radiation exposure incidents, the Joint Commission drafted measures to insure advanced imaging safety. The new accreditation requirements now apply for all imaging centers and ambulatory service centers.Advanced imaging safety
In 2010, the New York Times reported an increase in excessive radiation exposure. Patients who received diagnostic imaging testing and therapies suffered extensive injuries requiring treatment. The Times cited undertrained medical staff and faulty medical equipment as possible explanations. As a result, the Joint Commission enacted guidelines to prevent excess medical radiation exposure. Goals include improvements in medical staff training and medical diagnostic imaging equipment maintenance. Recent revisions reflect the removal of December 2013 guidelines articles, including:- A graduate-level degree in biological sciences for medical physicists
- Certification by the ARRT or the NMTCB for all CT (computed tomography) imaging
- Ionizing radiation dose exposure reporting in CT patient interpretive reports and protocol pages
Healthcare advocates in doubt
It’s a step up for hospital safety. Still, healthcare experts would like to see more clarification for medical imaging centers. Special requirements for tracking radiation dosages are helpful, if not supported by implementation guidelines. To ensure medical center compliance, the Joint Commission may have to redefine the parameters. For patients receiving MRI services, the new safety standards are inconsistent. The Joint Commission cites claustrophobia as a safety risk, while ignoring MRI injuries from burning. Also omitted from the new report- concerns regarding contrast agents, a safety risk for 4o% of patients receiving MRI exams. The overwhelming feeling among healthcare providers is that this is a work in progress. If you’re a physician running medical diagnostic imaging center, then you may need an expert opinion. A medical construction specialist can help you make all the necessary changes at low cost. Get more information on the new 2016 Joint Commission standards for diagnostic imaging centers:- Revised Timeline for Implementation of The Joint Commission’s New and Revised Diagnostic Imaging Standards
- Take 5: Breaking Down The New Imaging Standards(audio)
- Diagnostic Imaging Standards