The SAMRT Council is the organization’s governing body and uses a modified version of Carver’s Policy Governance® model to function. The Council is made up of both members of the public, who are appointed by the provincial government, and members of the association who are elected from the membership.
The Council establishes the SAMRT’s direction and the outcomes that will lead the organization forward in the interest of public safety. Through its governance, the Council leads the medical radiation technology profession to deliver safe, competent, and ethical care for protection of the public in the province of Saskatchewan. As self-regulated healthcare practitioners, members are required to use their knowledge, skills, and judgment in their work.
The provincial government is responsible for regulating health professions in order to protect the public from potential harm resulting from the actions of incompetent or unethical practitioners. Rather than regulating the health professions directly, government delegates the responsibility for regulating each profession to regulatory bodies (college/association/society) because they have the appropriate expertise regarding the practice of their respective professions to enable them to determine the qualifications necessary for licensure of registrants and to apply disciplinary measures when necessary.
In Saskatchewan, 28 health professions (governed by 26 regulatory bodies) have been delegated the privilege of self-regulation. The privilege of self-regulation granted to professional regulatory bodies is not unconditional, because government remains responsible for ensuring that the regulatory body regulates its members in the public interest. Under Saskatchewan’s legislative framework, public accountability of regulated health professions is provided for in the following manner:
We assess the qualifications of everyone who applies to become a licensed medical radiation technologist. MRTs must have completed an accredited education program approved by Council and must successfully complete the national certification examination in the speciality in which they apply to work.
The SAMRT recognizes that advancing technology and increasing responsibility requires technologists to continually update their knowledge and skills. Continuing education ensures professional competence and prevents professional obsolescence. The SAMRT Regulatory Bylaws require that all practicing MRTs complete Continuing education which is mandatory for maintaining membership/licensure with the SAMRT. Each practicing MRT has a duty to attend, track, and report continuing education activity. A minimum of 10 medical radiation technology credits per year is required.
The College reviews complaints from members of the public concerning licenced medical radiation technologist practices. The College can impose disciplinary measures that range from temporary oversight to removal of a member’s right to practice. For more information read our complaints process.