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The Vascular Laboratory

Compliance with four key principles can protect the vascular technologist, and the vascular laboratory, from a law suit. Adherence to The ICAVL Standards may be helpful in achieving many of the recommendations listed below.

Number 1: Scope of Practice and Practice Standards

It is critical that vascular technologists be familiar with the scope of practice for the profession. A comprehensive document published by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) and endorsed by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), the Canadian Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (CSDMS) and the Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU), entitled the “Scope of Practice for the Diagnostic Ultrasound Professional”, defines the role of diagnostic ultrasound professionals as members of the health care team, acting in the best interest of the patient.

In addition, the SDMS publishes the “Diagnostic Ultrasound Clinical Practice Standards”. These guidelines are designed to reflect the behavior and performance levels expected in clinical practice for the Diagnostic Ultrasound Professional and are inclusive of principles applicable to vascular technologists as well as other specialties within the profession of diagnostic medical sonography. Both the “Scope of Practice for the Diagnostic Ultrasound Professional” and the “Diagnostic Ultrasound Clinical Practice Standards” are published and available for download from the SDMS’ website (www.sdms.org/positions) and should be printed and shared with all medical and technical staff in the vascular laboratory. Some of the more pertinent sections of the SDMS’ “Diagnostic Ultrasound Clinical Practice Standards”, as applicable to vascular technologists, are:

-Related to Analysis and Determination of Procedure Plan for Conducting the Diagnostic Examination, Standard 1.3.2: The Diagnostic Ultrasound Professional: Uses independent professional judgment to adapt the procedure plan to optimize examination results. Performs the ultrasound or vascular technology procedure under general2 or direct3 supervision, as defined by the procedure.

-Related to Implementation of the Procedure Plan, Standard 1.4.3: Modifies the procedure plan according to the patient’s disease process or condition.

-Related to Evaluation of the Diagnostic Examination Results, Standard 1.5.2: Identifies any exceptions to the expected outcome9 and Standard 1.5.3: Documents any exceptions10 clearly, concisely and completely. When necessary, develops a revised procedure plan in order to achieve the intended outcome and Standard 1.5.8: Provides a written or oral summary of preliminary findings to the physician.

-Related to Quality of Care, Standard 3.1.3: Adheres to the standards14, policies15 and procedures16 adopted by the professional and regulated by law.

-Related to Education, Standard 3.3.1: Maintains professional credentials that are specifically related to the currently practiced discipline(s) and Standard 3.3.2: Participates in continuing education activities through professional societies and organizations, to enhance knowledge, skills and performance.

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