I have several questions regarding the "grandfather clauses" and a comment,
1) How does the requirement for 400 hrs of scanning in the field in the last year, or 1200 hrs in the last 3 years accommodate sonographers who have had maternity leaves? I know a sonographer who has had 2 maternity leaves in the last 3 years despite having 10 years experience and being an excellent sonographer she won't meet the requirements.
2) how does those same requirements make allowances for part time sonographers? I am nearing the end of my career, I work 2-3 days a week during the summer and 1-2 days a month the rest of the year, this suits myself and the Hospitals I work for just fine. Despite having over 25 years experience at a major teaching hospital, attending education days, inservices, etc, I just barely make the required hrs. Next year I may not.
3 ) how does those same requirements accommodate the teachers in the university or college courses? it will be difficult for those who work full time teaching to acquire the required hours in the field scanning.
My comment, The push to have sonographers regulated has been going on for years! Why now the rush to have it done by Oct 17th. The requirements were announced in September, most of the meetings to inform sonographers are held after the deadline for comments.
If this was a true consultation, there would be adequate time allowed for sonographers to be informed, to respond with their comments and suggestions, for the committee to review the comments and make adjustments and then inform sonographers of those changes. Even have sonographers vote on the requirements. That is a true consultation process. The proposed process is a lump it or leave it process.
Sonographers want their profession to be regulated but on terms that best serve them. Terms that reflect the sonographer community as a whole. They deserve to have adequate time for input and consultation.
there is also no mention of what the costs will be for sonographers. There is no mention of the benefits we will receive if we are registered with CMRTO.
The required registration of sonographers will give the CMRTO an infusion of cash, so they have a vested interest in passing this as quickly and with as little fuss as possible.
I urge the committee to slow down, allow for consultation and input Let's get it right the first time.