Position Statement

laboratory assistants (MLAs) in all jurisdictions across Canada. Regulation defines the practice of medical laboratory science, establishes the requirements and qualifications necessary to practice in the medical laboratory profession, and describes the boundaries within which the profession operates, as a key element of patient safety. The CSMLS supports employing MLAs in the medical workplace providing that the MLA: has relevant education and/or experience, and is certified with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science, and is performing within his or her scope of practice and/or level of professional certification, and adheres to the CSMLS Code of Professional Conduct, and is accountable for his or her professional acts. Implicit in these responsibilities is the need to maintain knowledge and skills at the appropriate level. The purpose of professional regulation is to serve and protect the public. Regulation ensures that competent, qualified, registered medical laboratory assistants provide Canadians with safe and ethical laboratory testing