Page 6 - JRCERT Peer 2 Peer Newsletters

FAQS - JRCERT SITE VISIT

Is it a citation if the program’s magnetic resonance
screening form asks about pregnancy status?

The Standards contain the provision that if a student wishes to declare
pregnancy, then they may do so in a voluntary manner. If an MRI student screening
form contains a question related to pregnancy, then this may result in a student
declaring pregnancy in a potentially non-voluntary manner. Programs are advised
that MRI screening forms should not include a question related to pregnancy. An
example of an MRI screening form can be found in the Guidance for Programs in
MR Safety Education module which is available under Program Resources on the
JRCERT website.

What does it mean to have access to an energized
laboratory?

The explanation for Objective 2.2 explicitly states that “the sponsoring
institution must provide the program with access to a fully energized laboratory. An
energized laboratory on campus is recommended.” However, what occurs when a
program with access to an energized laboratory actively chooses not to utilize it for
student learning purposes in any capacity? Would the program be demonstrating
compliance for having access, or would this constitute as a citation?
While the program has access to an energized laboratory (as stated in
Objective 2.2), the program has not integrated its available resources (i.e., an
energized laboratory) into its established curriculum, assuring a well-structured
curriculum (Objective 4.2).
Objective 4.2 requirements include incorporating effective student learning
opportunities through innovative approaches offering all students a foundational
knowledge in didactic and laboratory courses before achieving competency. A
program failing to utilize its access to an energized laboratory cannot assure that a
well-structured curriculum is occurring. Remember, students should/need to be
able to practice radiation exposures prior to actual patients.
This is a great example of interpreting the 2021 Standards literally for one
objective but not considering other objectives potentially being non-compliant.
Utilize your resources! Improve student learning by implementing didactic
laboratory learning activities/course objectives into your program’s curriculum that
requires the use of an energized laboratory.

Can a program offer Stipends?

With today’s unprecedented labor shortage in medical imaging and
radiation therapy professions, coupled with the need to meet the demand for
excellent patient care, various organizations have recommended or implemented
different solutions. Some of these initiatives include the Bloomberg Philanthropies
Workforce Initiative that connects health care systems with public high schools, as
well as paid internships for various professions.
The JRCERT does not support paid clinical hours for students enrolled in
its educational programs; however, we do endorse scholarships, grants, tuition/fee
assistance, and stipends which must be offered equitably. As indicated in
JRCERT Policy 10.900, Procedure 10.902A, the stipend must be unrelated to the
completion of specific clinical hours and/or assignments. Therefore, students
receiving an hourly rate reimbursed for clinical hours would not be acceptable.
The JRCERT developed this policy to guarantee that students are not
taking the place of qualified staff and that appropriate supervision is being provided
during the clinical education experience. Additionally, this prevents the risk of
liability to medical facilities due to unqualified individuals performing medical
imaging and therapeutic procedures.

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