MRI Safety Training

The Joint Commission requires training on MRI safety for healthcare professionals who work with MRI equipment or patients undergoing MRI procedures. The requirement is included in the Environment of Care (EC) chapter of The Joint Commission's accreditation manual, which outlines the standards for providing a safe and effective healthcare environment.

Specifically, the EC.02.01.01 standard requires that healthcare organizations assess and manage the risks associated with their equipment and physical environment, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment. As part of this standard, healthcare organizations are required to provide education and training to staff and others who work with MRI equipment or patients undergoing MRI procedures, including:

• Radiology technicians and technologists
• Physicians who enter into the MRI environment
• Nurses and other clinical staff
• Maintenance and engineering staff
• Security personnel

Physicians can take either of the courses below to satisfy The Joint Commission Requirement

1. Practical Aspects of MRI Safety for Level I Personnel (1 CME)
2. MRI Safety for Level II Personnel (1.5 CME)

Radiology technologists should take the Level II course.

The Joint Commission also requires that healthcare organizations maintain documentation of MRI safety training for their staff and others who work with MRI equipment or patients. This documentation must be available for inspection during accreditation surveys.

It's important to note that The Joint Commission's standards are voluntary and healthcare organizations are not required to seek accreditation. However, many healthcare organizations choose to seek accreditation to demonstrate their commitment to providing safe and high-quality care.