Why do medical laboratory assistants and medical laboratory technicians need to be regulated when Ontario Laboratory Accreditation standards contain criteria for entry to practice?

Under the Ontario Laboratory Accreditation (OLA) standards, as well as the Laboratory and Specimen Collection Centre Licensing Act, 1990, the onus is on the Laboratory Director to ensure medical laboratory assistants and medical laboratory technicians have the appropriate education and preparation to practice. The College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) believes that applying the current legislative framework to all regulated health professionals whose practice could have a detrimental effect on patient care is an acceptable and effective process and mechanism for public protection. The CMLTO also believes self-regulation of a health profession ensures professionals are accountable to the public.