HAMILTON, July 13, 2010 - The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is pleased to see new legislation passed in Newfoundland and Labrador regulating certain health professions, including Medical Laboratory Technologists. The recently passed legislation, brought forward by the Ministry of Health and Community Services, directly addresses the recommendations made by Justice Margaret Cameron in the Commission of Inquiry on Hormone Receptor Testing Report.
“The Health Professions Act is a positive step forward for Newfoundland and Labrador and will help provide safe and reliable laboratory services for patients in the province,” said Christine Nielsen, Executive Director of CSMLS. “The legislation recognizes the important role Medical Laboratory Technologists play in the health care system and demonstrates a commitment to seeing this valuable service delivered to a high standard.”
The change brings Newfoundland and Labrador in step with other provinces which regulate Medical Laboratory Technologists and use the CSMLS certification as the entry-level standard for practice (AB, SK, MB, ON, NB, & NS).
“On a national level, Canada can still do more to ensure patient safety,” states Ms. Nielsen. “Regulation of Medical Laboratory Technologists and Medical Laboratory Assistants in every province is needed to ensure high quality health care for all Canadians.”
The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science is the national certifying body for medical laboratory technologists and medical laboratory assistants, and the national professional society for Canada's medical laboratory professionals. Incorporated in 1937 as the Canadian Society of Laboratory Technologists, the society has over 14,000 members in Canada and in countries around the world.
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Michelle Squarciotta
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Phone: 905-528-8642 ext. 8693
www.csmls.org