Dear Members,
As laboratories across Ontario continue to struggle to cope with the ongoing shortage of MLTs, we have received some communications from MLA/T members who have concerns about being asked to perform duties that may be outside of their scope of practice. The MLA/T scope of practice is defined in the MLPAO MLA/T Competency Guidelines.
For example, verification, release, and interpretation of patient results are not within the scope of practice of an MLA/T. An MLA/T can process the sample, load the analyzer, and archive the sample once the testing is complete, but the MLA/T cannot release the patient results to the healthcare provider. Verification, release, and interpretation of patient results falls within the scope of practice of an MLT.
All active MLA/T MLPAO members are covered by Professional Liability Insurance (PLI); however, we would like to take this opportunity to remind you that PLI protects you from allegations of errors, omissions, or negligence committed within the scope of your professional activities as an MLA/T. Your PLI coverage will not apply if you are performing duties outside of your scope of practice. You can find out more information at prolink.insure/MLPAO.
If you have concerns about whether tasks are outside of your scope of practice, we encourage you to discuss them with your manager.
Sincerely,
Michelle Hoad, CAE Chief Executive Officer Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario www.mlpao.org Office: 416-485-6768 or 1-800-461-6768
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