Collaboration in Action: AHRA Releases MR Remote Scanning Consideration Guidance Document

AHRA has made a focused effort to collaborate with other organizations and associations in the industry to better serve its members, the radiology community, and the overall healthcare industry. This occurs in a variety of ways, ranging from one-on-one conversations to the creation of task forces to address specific areas of interest. 

In early 2023, AHRA facilitated the creation of an Industry Task Force that collaborated to provide insights on key areas of consideration for magnetic resonance imaging (MR) remote scanning programs through a recently released publication. This group, which will continue its collaboration, is comprised of leadership and representatives from the following organizations:

• AHRA
• American College of Radiology (ACR)
• AdvaMed Medical Imaging
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
• American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)
• Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC)
• RadSite
• Radiology Business Management Association (RBMA)
• The Joint Commission (TJC)

Additionally, W. Kenneth Davis, Jr., attorney at law, although not acting as counsel to anyone, provided his input and expertise. This group will continue to meet and will evaluate other opportunities to collaborate for the benefit of the industry. 

This task force met several times virtually over the last two years and in person at the 2023 and 2024 AHRA Annual Meetings. Given the participating organizations’ missions and existing activities, the group was very deliberate in its discussions and actions to ensure that its activities were respectful of all participants and not biased toward any specific perspective. The group agreed to first address MR remote scanning and collectively determined the scope of the final deliverable. 

Members of the task force generously shared their time and talent to create a document that highlights key considerations for organizations that have either implemented or are evaluating remote MR scanning for their organization. Specific areas addressed include:

• Staffing workforce shortage
• Safety
• Technologist certification and facility accreditation
• FDA role
• IT support
• Risk management
• Education/training
•  Regulatory considerations for independent diagnostic testing facilities (IDTF)

For many of the reasons highlighted in the consideration document, remote scanning is a current reality that all in the industry must consider. On behalf of the AHRA, I thank the task force for its positive collaboration on this important topic. 

On behalf of the task force, we proudly present this collaboration document with the sincere goal that it will serve as a valuable tool for imaging professionals and stakeholders.

Access the resource by visiting the AHRA Regulatory Affairs page or download the document directly.