Scope of Practice for the Diagnostic Ultrasound Professional

Preamble:

The purpose of this document is to define the Scope of Practice for Diagnostic Ultrasound Professionals and to specify their roles as members of the health care team, acting in the best interest of the patient. This scope of practice is a "living" document that will evolve as the technology expands.

Definition of the Profession:

The Diagnostic Ultrasound Profession is a multi-specialty field comprised of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (with subspecialties in abdominal, neurologic, obstetrical/gynecologic and ophthalmic ultrasound), Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography (with subspecialties in adult and pediatric echocardiography), Vascular Technology, and other emerging fields. These diverse specialties are distinguished by their use of diagnostic medical ultrasound as a primary technology in their daily work. Certification¹ is considered the standard of practice in ultrasound. Individuals who are not yet certified should reference the Scope as a professional model and strive to become certified.

Scope of Practice of the Profession:

The Diagnostic Ultrasound Professional is an individual qualified by professional credentialing² and academic and clinical experience to provide diagnostic patient care services using ultrasound and related diagnostic procedures. The scope of practice of the Diagnostic Ultrasound Professional includes those procedures, acts and processes permitted by law, for which the individual has received education and clinical experience, and in which he/she has demonstrated competency.

Diagnostic Ultrasound Professionals:

• Perform patient assessments
• Acquire and analyze data obtained using ultrasound and related diagnostic technologies
• Provide a summary of findings to the physician to aid in patient diagnosis and management
• Use independent judgment and systematic problem solving methods to produce high quality diagnostic information and optimize patient care.

¹ An example of credentials: RDMS (registered diagnostic medical sonographer), RDCS (registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer), RVT (registered vascular technologist); awarded by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers,® a certifying body with NCCA Category "A" membership.

² Credentials should be awarded by an agency certified by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

• Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine
• American Society of Echocardiography*
• Canadian Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
• Society for Vascular Ultrasound


* Qualified endorsement

  See also: Diagnostic Ultrasound Clinical Practice Standards

  See also: Code of Ethics