Diagnostic Medical Sonographers to be regulated by the
Saskatchewan Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (SAMRT)
The SAMRT is pleased to announce that diagnostic medical sonographers will become a regulated profession in Saskatchewan. The SAMRT mission is to protect the public by demonstrating regulatory excellence of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals in the province of Saskatchewan. Regulating diagnostic medical sonographers will provide the same protection to the public.
The Miscellaneous Statutes (Health Professions) Amendment Act, 2023 (Bill 120) was introduced into the Saskatchewan Legislature in the fall of 2022. Bill 120 was based on collaborative work between the Network of Interprofessional Regulatory Organizations (NIRO), comprised of 27 Saskatchewan Health Profession regulators, and the Ministry to amend the existing health profession legislative framework to support regulatory best practices. Of significant importance for SAMRT, it also included the amendment to regulate the diagnostic medical sonographers under the SAMRT Act.
Bill 120 received Royal assent on April 6, 2023. The Act has not yet been proclaimed for SAMRT to allow time for the preparation of regulatory bylaw amendments and changes to any required policies. Once the Act is proclaimed, SAMRT will become The College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Professionals of Saskatchewan (CMRIPS).
It is the intention of the SAMRT to collaborate with diagnostic medical sonographers throughout the entire onboarding process to ensure a seamless implementation. As SAMRT becomes aware of more precise timelines for onboarding the DMS professionals, the information will be shared with all members. Dissemination of information will be in the form of e-blasts, newsletters and on the SAMRT website.
In the weeks and months ahead, SAMRT will be seeking sonographers to serve as members on the Sonography Implementation Committee. There will also be an opportunity to become involved on Council, as well as serve as a committee member to complete specific committee work.
SAMRT would like to acknowledge the support and involvement of the Saskatchewan Association of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SADMS), as well as practicing Saskatchewan diagnostic medical sonographers who served on the Regulation of Sonographers Committee from 2018 to 2021.