The MRI Accreditation Program was established over 20 years ago to support the safe and effective use of what was then an emerging imaging technology.
The Department of Health and Aged Care (DOHAC), now known as the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, required program participation as a condition for licensing individual MRI machines, and radiologists reporting MRI were required to complete MRI-specific CPD activities.
From 1 July 2025, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing will change from a machine-based MRI licensing model to a practice-based model. As a result of this change, participation in the RANZCR MRI Accreditation Program will no longer be a requirement. Additionally, radiologists will no longer be required to record MRI-specific CPD activities. The Medical Board of Australia requires all CPD to be aligned with a practitioner’s scope of practice. The College considers this requirement appropriate and sufficient to support high-quality MRI reporting.
RANZCR’s view is that MRI should now be governed by the same requirements that apply across all radiological modalities without the need for additional, modality-specific accreditation requirements. It’s anticipated that these changes will provide a streamlined MRI licensing model suitable for the sector and offer improved efficiency for members by ensuring that required CPD activities reflect your scope of practice.
For additional information, please contact tracy.fleming@nata.com.au