Joint Commission seeks input on radiologist requirements

The Joint Commission is seeking input on proposed requirements addressing the qualifications and competency for radiologists who provide diagnostic computed technology (CT) services in the ambulatory care, hospital, and critical access hospital programs. Under MS.06.01.03, EP 10, hospitals providing CT services would be required to verify and document that radiologists who interpret CT examinations are board-certified in radiology or diagnostic radiology by the American Board of Radiology, American Osteopathic Board of Radiology, or an equivalent organization.

MS.06.01.05, EP 16 would require that hospitals verify and document, at renewal of privileges, that radiologists meet the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) requirements of their certifying body. Radiologists reading CT examinations across multiple organ systems must have read 135 exams in the past 24 months.

MS.06.01.05, EP 17 would require that hospitals, on renewal of privileges, verify and document radiologists’ ongoing education, and that ongoing education must include As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA), Image Gently, Image Wisely, and one of the following:

• Meeting the MOC requirements of their certifying body

• Completing 100 hours of relevant continuing medical education (CME) in the past 24 months; this must include 50 hours of Category 1 CME

The Joint Commission will accept input through April 10.

Source: The Joint Commission