Introduction to Radiography: Accreditation, Certification, Licensure, Standards, and Practice

A set of Q&A flashcards covering accreditation, certification/registry/licensure, standards, professional societies, and practice standards based on the lecture notes.

What is Accreditation?

A voluntary proces that applies to institutions (hospitals, schools, imaging centers) and attests to attainment of minimum standards, often linked to reimbursement.

What is Certification?

An individual credential indicating that education requirements have been met, usually requiring an exam and ongoing continuing education.

What is Registry/Registration?

A list of individuals who currently hold certification.

What is License/Licensure?

A government-issued, typically state-level authorization to practice; Florida is a licensure state and ARRT registry is often recognized.

What is a Standard in radiography context?

An established expectation for quality of care and performance used to measure compliance.

What does JRCERT stand for and what do they do?

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology; accredits radiologic technology education programs.

What does TJC/JCAHO refer to, and what is its current name?

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; now known as The Joint Commission, accrediting health care organizations.

What is MQSA?

Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992; requires accreditation of mammography facilities; non-accredited facilities may not receive Medicare and payers follow Medicare rules.

What was the role of CPRHSA in 1981?

It set a national expectation that the government establish minimum education and training standards, requiring certification of radiographers and sonographers.

What happened to enforcement measures at the national level according to the notes?

They were stripped; standards were never set or enforced (ASRT provides further information).

What does MQSA require for facilities providing mammography?

Accreditation; quality control and staff certification requirements; nonaccredited facilities may not receive Medicare; third-party payers follow Medicare rules.

What change occurred effective January 2012 regarding accreditation?

Accreditation became required for advanced imaging services such as CT and MRI; technologists must have specialty certification.

What does JRCERT stand for and what is its purpose?

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology; accredits radiologic technology education programs.

What does ARRT stand for and what does it do?

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists; provides professional credentials in Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, CT, MRI, mammography, and related areas.

What are the ARRT certification requirements after graduating from an approved program?

Complete an approved program; pass the registry; pay renewal fee; complete 24 CEUs in a 2-year biennium; specialized certifications count; ethics violations can revoke registration.

What is the ARRT biennium and its CE requirement?

A two-year period in which 24 CE credits must be earned; renewal is in the birth month; two separate renewal dates and CE tracking rules apply.

What is ARRT's Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR)?

A 10-year process to assess and refresh knowledge and skills; includes Professional Profile, SSA, online CE; not a repeat registry exam; required to maintain registration.

When should the ARRT CQR process begin and how long may it take?

Begin in year 7 of credentialing; may take up to 3 years to complete.

What does licensure entail for radiography and where is it typically required?

State-issued license; in many states a license is required to use radiation; ARRT registry is often a prerequisite; licenses may include modality additions.

What are Florida’s licensure and CEU requirements?

Florida requires ARRT registry for general radiography; licensure renewal requires 12 CEUs every 2 years; some ARRT CEUs may not count; records must be kept.

What are the resources to learn about ARRT and ASRT requirements?

Websites: arrt.org and asrt.org provide registry information, exam content, CEU info, ethics, journals, and continuing education.

What are Professional Societies and what do they do?

Organizations that represent groups; provide continuing education, publish journals, host conferences, and offer member services; membership is usually optional.

Name some examples of Professional Societies in radiography?

ASRT (Radiographers society), ASTRO (Radiation Therapy), AEIRS (Radiology Educators), AHRA (Radiology managers), ACR (Radiologists), ISRRT (International), SMRM, SNM, SMS, and others.

What are Practice Standards and who maintains them?

Standards developed by ARRT and ASRT; maintained/updated by ASRT; denote expected standards for quality of care and performance.

What are the main sections of Practice Standards?

Clinical Performance Standards, Quality Performance Standards, and Professional Performance Standards.

Give examples of Clinical Standards mentioned in the notes.

Standard 1: Assessment; Standard 2: Analysis and determination; Standard 3: Patient Education; Standard 4: Implementation.

Are membership in professional societies mandatory?

No; membership is optional, though benefits can be substantial.

Where can you find more on Practice Standards as referenced in the notes?

ARRT/ASRT materials and pages (Practice Standards section, including page 327 in the notes).