Consultation Questionnaire: Regulation of Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) in New Brunswick Survey

The New Brunswick Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (NBSMLT) is exploring the potential regulation of Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) in New Brunswick.

The purpose of this questionnaire is to gather feedback from stakeholders regarding the potential benefits, challenges, and requirements associated with MLA regulation. The information collected will help inform discussions about public protection, competency, education, professional accountability, and the potential regulatory framework.

This consultation is intended to gather information and perspectives. It does not represent a decision to regulate MLAs or establish a specific regulatory model.

Your responses will be considered as part of the consultation process.

2.In which setting do you primarily work or have experience?

Other (please specify)

4.Before this consultation, were you aware that MLAs are not currently regulated in New Brunswick?

Yes

No

5.How familiar are you with the concept of professional regulation?

Very familiar

Somewhat familiar

Not so familiar

Not at all familiar

6.In your own words, what do you understand to be the purpose of regulating MLAs?

7.What do you believe are the biggest risks to the public with the MLA profession being unregulated?

Being tasked with activities that would be outside their scope or competency profile

Lack of accountability (competence, standard of practice and continuing competencies)

Training and competency assurance

Patient safety

Incident management

No mechanism to address when competency is not demonstrated

Other

I do not identify any potential risks

10.Which organization or organizations should have responsibility for establishing and maintaining MLA regulation in New Brunswick?

New Brunswick Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (NBMSLT)

A separate MLA regulatory body

Another existing regulatory body (College of Physicians, Nurses, etc.)

Unsure

Other (please specify)

12.What concerns should be considered regarding the potential impact of regulation on the current MLA workforce?

13.What role should employers have in verifying MLA competency and supporting ongoing professional development?

14.What support would be necessary during the transition to regulation?

Other (please specify)

15.What are the three most important issues that should be addressed before MLA regulation is implemented?

16.Do you have any recommendations, concerns, or additional comments regarding the potential regulation of MLAs in New Brunswick?

17.Would you be interested in participating in future consultations, focus groups, or working groups regarding MLA regulation? If yes, please provide your email to NBSMLT at office@nbsmlt.nb.ca

Yes

No

Thank you for taking the time to participate in this consultation. Your feedback will help inform future discussions regarding the potential regulation of Medical Laboratory Assistants in New Brunswick.