AP839843 - Health Services Union of Australia (NSW/ACT Private Medical Imaging) Award 2004

PART 2 – EMPLOYMENT 
 
4. DEFINITIONS

4.1 Full-time means an employee who is engaged as such and who is rostered to work an average of 152 ordinary hours per four week period.

4.2 Part-time means an employee who is engaged as such and who is required to work less than an average of 152 ordinary hours per four-week period with a minimum start of two hours per rostered day.

4.3 Job share means a part-time employee who shares a full-time position.

4.4 Casual means an employee who is engaged on an hourly basis other than as a permanent part-time employee or full-time employee or job share employee.

4.5 CPD means Continuing Professional Development, which is the responsibility of the employee and includes maintaining their own CPD, and on-going career learning in consultation with their employer.

4.6 Practice means the business entity and not the work locations.

4.7 Medical Imaging Administration (MIA) means a person appointed as such where the principal function of the employment, as determined by the employer, is of a clerical or administrative nature, described in MIA Levels 1 to 5 and Appendix B - Work level statement for medical imaging administration (MIA), and who maintains their own CPD.

4.7.1 Level 1 (MIA 1)

At level MIA 1 the choice of actions required is clear. The employee applies knowledge and skills to a limited range of tasks. They will usually perform work within established routines, methods and procedures that are predictable, and which may require the exercise of limited discretion. They may work under direct supervision with regular checking of their progress.

4.7.2 Level 2 (MIA 2)

At level MIA 2 the choice of actions required is usually clear, with limited complexity in the choice. The employee applies knowledge and skills to multi-task a range of tasks. They will perform work within established routines, methods and procedures, which involve the exercise of some discretion and minor decision making. They may work under routine supervision with intermittent checking of their work.

4.7.3 Level 3 (MIA 3)

At level MIA 3 the employee will usually perform multi-task work within routines, methods and procedures where some discretion and judgment is required. The employee may be responsible for the work of others and may be required to co-ordinate such work. They will apply knowledge with depth in some areas and a broad range of skills. They may work under limited supervision with checking of their work related to overall progress.

4.7.4 Level 4 (MIA 4)

At level MIA 4 the knowledge with depth in some areas is applied in a broad range of multi-task skills. There is a wide range of tasks, and the range and choice of actions required will usually be complex. Responsibility for the organisation of the work of others may be involved. Competencies are usually applied within routines, methods and procedures where discretion and judgment is required, for both self and others. They may be required to work without supervision, with general guidance on progress and outcomes sought on their work.

4.7.5 Level 5 (MIA 5)

At level MIA 5 knowledge with substantial depth in some areas is applied in a range of skills, which may be varied or highly specific to their multi-tasks. An employee at this level applies knowledge and skills dependently and non-routinely. Judgment and initiative are required. They may receive assistance with specific problems. They may be supervised by professional staff and may be responsible for the planning and management of the work of others.

4.8 Medical Imaging Liaison (MIL)

A person appointed to MIL represents the practice and applies their knowledge, skill and experience to this position. Their primary task is to liaise with referrers and promote the practice/organisation to meet the business and clinical objectives of the practice/organisation and maintains their own CPD. Their experience may have been obtained in a Radiology Practice but not necessarily. They would bring a depth of knowledge and broad range of skills relevant to the position.

4.9 Medical Imaging Technologist (MIT) means a person appointed as such where the principal function of the employment as determined by the employer in medical imaging is described in the following Levels 1 to 6: Medical Radiographer (MR); Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMT); Radiation Therapist (RT); Ultrasonographer (U); and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and who maintains their own CPD.

4.9.1 Medical Radiographer (MIT-MR) means a Medical Imaging Technologist in 4.9 appointed as such by the employer and who meets the standards required by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists quality and accreditation program for MIT-MR and who maintains their own CPD.

4.9.1(a) Level 1 - Medical Radiographer (MIT-MR 1) in Professional Development Year (PDY)

At level MIT-MR 1 PDY the employee will have completed training at a tertiary institution or be accredited as a radiographer or nuclear medicine technologist or radiation therapist by a relevant body in the appropriate jurisdiction. This is the first year of work after completion of studies and it forms part of final assessment. They may be competent in performing routine procedures, but would require on-the-job training and supervision in all aspects of workflow, work quality and administrative tasks. A licence in the appropriate jurisdiction as recognised by the Health Insurance Commission must be held.

4.9.1(b) Level 2 – Medical Radiographer (MIT-MR 2)

At level MIT-MR 2 the employee will have completed training in his/her Professional Development Year (PDY) and is competent in performing routine procedures; requires further on-the-job training relative to some examinations or procedures performed infrequently. Although under general instruction from their immediate supervisor, they will be expected to have begun managing their workflow and work quality to be aware of the importance of patient satisfaction, and will liaise productively with other members of staff. It is anticipated that they may have begun training in subspecialties.

4.9.1(c) Level 3 – Medical Radiographer (MIT-MR 3)

At level MIT-MR 3 the employee will be an experienced employee who will be required to work under only general directions from their supervisor and be capable of performing complex and difficult examinations. The employee will effectively manage examination quality of routine procedures, workflow and patient satisfaction and will liaise effectively with all other staff members. They may be training in subspecialties. They will demonstrate an ability and willingness to train less experienced staff in areas in which they are competent. They will demonstrate a willingness to perform and to have knowledge of the general maintenance requirements of the areas to which they are assigned.

4.9.1(d) Level 4 – Medical Radiographer (MIT-MR 4)

At level MIT-MR 4 the employee may be in charge of a section of a large, multi-modality practice. They will have been trained in areas of sub-specialisation. They will usually be required to supervise examinations performed by less experienced staff while, as a senior staff member, will be required to assist in the administrative functions of the practice and provide relief cover when necessary. They will work co-operatively and productively with all other members of staff. They will demonstrate an ability and willingness to train less experienced staff in areas in which they are competent. They will demonstrate a willingness to perform and to have knowledge of the general maintenance requirements of the areas to which they are assigned.

4.9.1(e) Level 5 – Medical Radiographer (MIT-MR 5)

At level MIT-MR 5 the employee will be in charge of a section of a large, multi-modality practice or in charge of a smaller practice. The employee will be required to supervise examinations performed by less experienced staff. They will be required to assist in the administrative functions of the practice and in planning the workload and throughput of the practice. They may receive direction from the Chief Radiographer or Chief Nuclear Medicine Technician, where appointed, or directly from the radiologist/ surgeon/ physician or manager supervising the practice. They will work co-operatively and productively with all other members of staff. They will have the necessary experience and qualifications to effectively manage their section or the practice. They will demonstrate an ability and willingness to train less experienced staff in areas in which they are competent. They will demonstrate a willingness to perform and to have knowledge of the general maintenance requirements of the areas for which they are responsible.

4.9.1(f) Level 6 - Chief Medical Radiographer (MIT-CMR 6)

The MIT-CMR 6 is the most senior Medical Imaging Technologist in the practice who will be responsible directly to the radiologist/ surgeon/ physician or manager supervising the practice or be in charge of more than one practice. This level of employment is generally restricted to the larger multi-modality practice. The chief will supervise and be responsible for the work and productivity of all other members of staff, administrative functions of the practice, including accreditation and compliance requirements, and will be responsible for the effective management of patient throughput and the staff rosters. They will possess the necessary qualifications and experience to manage any practice in the group including a large multi-modality practice. They will demonstrate an ability and willingness to train less experienced staff in areas in which they are competent. They will demonstrate a willingness to perform and to have knowledge of the general maintenance requirements of the areas for which they are responsible.

4.9.2 Nuclear Medicine Technologist (MIT-NMT) means a Medical Imaging Technologist in 4.9 appointed as such by the employer who meets the standards required by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists quality and accreditation program for MIT-NMT and who maintains their own CPD.

4.9.2(a) Level 1 - Nuclear Medicine Technologist (MIT-NMT 1) in Professional Development Year (PDY)

At level MIT-NMT 1 PDY the employee will have completed training at a tertiary institution or be accredited as a radiographer or nuclear medicine technologist or radiation therapist by a relevant body in the appropriate jurisdiction. This is the first year of work after completion of studies and it forms part of final assessment. They may be competent in performing routine procedures, but would require on-the-job training and supervision in all aspects of workflow, work quality and administrative tasks. A licence in the appropriate jurisdiction as recognised by the Health Insurance Commission must be held.

4.9.2(b) Level 2 - Nuclear Medicine Technologist (MIT-NMT 2)

At level MIT-NMT 2 the employee will have completed training in their Professional Development Year (PDY) and be competent in performing routine procedures; requires further on-the-job training relative to some examinations or procedures performed infrequently. Although under general instruction from their immediate supervisor, they will be expected to have begun managing their workflow and work quality to be aware of the importance of patient satisfaction, and will liaise productively with other members of staff.

4.9.2(c) Level 3 - Nuclear Medicine Technologist (MIT-NMT 3)

At level MIT-NMT 3 the employee will be an experienced employee who would be required to work under only general directions from their supervisor and be capable of performing complex and difficult examinations. The employee will effectively manage examination quality of routine procedures, workflow and patient satisfaction and will liaise effectively with all other staff members. They will demonstrate an ability and willingness to train less experienced staff in areas in which they are competent. They will demonstrate a willingness to perform and to have knowledge of the general maintenance requirements of the areas to which they are assigned.

4.9.2(d) Level 4 - Nuclear Medicine Technologist (MIT-NMT 4)

At level MIT-MRT 4 the employee may be in charge of a section of a large, multi-modality practice. They will have a detailed understanding of all aspects of Nuclear Medicine Science. They will usually be required to supervise examinations performed by less experienced staff while, as a senior staff member, will be required to assist in the administrative functions of the practice and provide relief cover when necessary. They will work co-operatively and productively with all other members of staff. They will demonstrate an ability and willingness to train less experienced staff in areas in which they are competent. They will demonstrate a willingness to perform and to have knowledge of the general maintenance requirements of the areas to which they are assigned.

4.9.2(e) Level 5 - Nuclear Medicine Technologist (MIT-NMT 5)

At level MIT-NMT 5 the employee may be in charge of a section of a large, multi-modality practice or be in charge of a small practice. They will have a detailed understanding of all aspects of Nuclear Medicine Science. They will be required to supervise examinations performed by less experienced staff. They will be required to assist in the administrative functions of the practice and in planning the workload and throughput of the practice. They may receive direction from the Chief Nuclear Medicine Technician, where appointed, or directly from the radiologist/surgeon/physician or manager supervising the practice. They will work co-operatively and productively with all other members of staff. They will have the necessary experience and qualifications to effectively manage their section or the practice. They will demonstrate an ability and willingness to train less experienced staff in areas in which they are competent. They will demonstrate a willingness to perform and to have knowledge of the general maintenance requirements of the areas for which they are responsible.

4.9.2(f) Level 6 - Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist (MIT-CNMT 6)

The MIT-CNMT 6 is the most senior Medical Imaging Technologist in the practice who will be responsible directly to the physician or manager supervising the practice. The Chief may be in charge of more than one practice. In smaller sites there may not be someone appointed at this level. The Chief will supervise and be responsible for the work and productivity of all other members of staff, administrative functions of the practice, including accreditation and compliance requirements, and will be responsible for the effective management of patient throughput and the staff rosters. They will have a detailed understanding of all aspects of Nuclear Medicine Science. They will possess the necessary qualifications and experience to manage any practice in the group including a large multi-modality/site practice. They will demonstrate an ability and willingness to train less experienced staff in areas in which they are competent. They will demonstrate a willingness to perform and to have knowledge of the general maintenance requirements of the areas for which they are responsible.

4.9.3 Radiation Therapist (MIT-RT) means a Medical Imaging Technologist in 4.9 appointed as such by the employer who meets the standards required by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists quality and accreditation program for MIT-RT and who maintains their own CPD.

4.9.3(a) Level 1 - Radiation Therapist (MIT-RT 1) in Professional Development Year (PDY)

At level MIT-RT 1 PDY the employee will have completed training at a tertiary institution or be accredited as a radiographer or nuclear medicine technologist or radiation therapist by a relevant body in the appropriate jurisdiction. This is the first year of work after completion of studies and it forms part of final assessment. They may be competent in performing routine procedures, but would require on-the-job training and supervision in all aspects of workflow, work quality and administrative tasks. A licence in the appropriate jurisdiction as recognised by the Health Insurance Commission must be held.

4.9.3(b) Level 2 - Radiation Therapist (MIT-RT 2)

At level MIT-RT 2 the employee will have completed training in their Professional Development Year (PDY) and be competent in performing routine procedures; requires further on-the-job training. Although under general instruction from their immediate supervisor, they will be expected to have begun managing their workflow and work quality to be aware of the importance of patient satisfaction, and will liaise productively with other members of staff.

4.9.3(c) Level 3 - Radiation Therapist (MIT-RT 3)

At level MIT-RT 3 the employee will be an experienced employee who would be required to work under only general directions from their supervisor and be able to demonstrate a high level of knowledge and proficiency in radiation therapy. The employee will effectively manage workflow and patient care and will liaise effectively with all other staff members. They will demonstrate an ability and willingness to train less experienced staff in areas in which they are competent. They will demonstrate a willingness to perform and to have knowledge of the general maintenance requirements of the areas to which they are assigned.

4.9.3(d) Level 4 - Radiation Therapist (MIT-RT 4)

At level MIT-RT 4 the employee may be in charge of a section i.e. planning or linear accelerator; they will have been trained in all areas of radiation therapy and be required to supervise less experienced staff. As a senior staff member it will be a requirement to assist in the administrative functions of the practice and provide relief cover when necessary. They will work co-operatively and productively with all other members of staff. They will demonstrate an ability and willingness to train less experienced staff in areas in which they are competent. They will demonstrate a willingness to perform and to have knowledge of the general maintenance requirements of the areas to which they are assigned.

4.9.3(e) Level 5 - Radiation Therapist (MIT-RT 5)

At level MIT-RT 5 the employee will be in charge of a department with one Linear Accelerator. They will be responsible for the patient service standards, productivity of all other members of staff, administrative functions of the practice, including accreditation and compliance requirements, and will be responsible for the effective management of patient throughput and the staff rosters. They will be responsible directly to the Radiation Oncologist or manager supervising the practice. They will demonstrate an ability and willingness to train less experienced staff in areas in which they are competent. They will demonstrate a willingness to perform and to have knowledge of the general maintenance requirements of the areas for which they are responsible.

Or

At level MIT-RT 5 the employee will be required to supervise less experienced staff. They will be required to assist in the administrative functions of the practice and in planning the workload and throughput of the practice. They may receive direction from the Chief Radiation Therapist or from the Radiation Oncologist or manager supervising the practice. They will work co-operatively and productively with all other members of staff.

They will have the necessary experience and qualifications to effectively manage their section or the practice. They will demonstrate an ability and willingness to train less experienced staff in areas in which they are competent. They will demonstrate a willingness to perform and to have knowledge of the general maintenance requirements of the areas for which they are responsible.

4.9.3(f) Level 6 - Chief Radiation Therapist (MIT-CRT 6)

The MIT-CRT 6 is the most senior Medical Imaging Technologist in the practice who will be responsible directly to the Radiation Oncologist or manager supervising the practice. This level of employment is generally restricted to department with two or more Linear Accelerators. The Chief will be responsible for the patient service standards, productivity of all other members of staff, administrative functions of the practice, including accreditation and compliance requirements, and will be responsible for the effective management of patient throughput and the staff rosters. They will possess the necessary qualifications and a detailed understanding of all aspects of radiation therapy and experience to manage a Radiation Oncology Department in the group. They will demonstrate an ability and willingness to train less experienced staff in areas in which they are competent. They will demonstrate a willingness to perform and to have knowledge of the general maintenance requirements of the areas for which they are responsible.

4.9.4 Ultrasonographer (MIT-U) means a Medical Imaging Technologist in 4.9 appointed as such by the employer who meets the standards required by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists quality and accreditation program for MIT-U and who maintains their own CPD.

4.9.4(a) Level 2 - Ultrasound (MIT-U 2)

At level MIT-U 2 the employee will have begun training in ultrasound to be eligible for registration as an ultrasonographer on the Australian Sonographers Accreditation Register (ASAR) as recognised by the Health Insurance Commission. The employee will be undertaking training to perform routine ultrasound procedures. Such training will include on-the-job instruction in technique and protocols by the employer in relation to these tasks and will require constant supervision of the employee. When the employee commences training at this level they may not yet be enrolled in the Diploma of Medical Ultrasound (DMU) or equivalent tertiary studies. However, they will be expected to work towards this qualification. The employee will be working towards managing examination quality of routine ultrasound procedures, workflow and patient satisfaction and will work under general directions from their supervisor. They will also demonstrate a

willingness to learn and perform more complex and difficult techniques and procedures under the supervision of appropriately qualified staff and will work with relevant personnel to ensure compliance with ultrasound accreditation processes for the practice.

4.9.4(b) Level 3 - Ultrasound (MIT-U 3)

At level MIT-U 3 the employee will be trained in ultrasound and be registered on the ASAR register. They will demonstrate an ability and willingness to train less experienced staff in areas in which they are competent. They will demonstrate a willingness to perform and to have knowledge of the general maintenance requirements of the areas to which they are assigned.

4.9.4(c) Level 4 - Ultrasound (MIT-U 4)

At level MIT-U 4 the employee will be trained in ultrasound and on the ASAR register. The employee will effectively manage examination quality of all ultrasound examinations including more complex and less frequently performed examinations, workflow and patient satisfaction and will work under general instructions from their supervisor in these areas. They will work with relevant personnel to ensure compliance with the ultrasound accreditation processes for the practice. They will demonstrate an ability and willingness to train less experienced staff in areas in which they are competent. They will demonstrate a willingness to perform and to have knowledge of the general maintenance requirements of the areas to which they are assigned.

4.9.4(d) Level 5 - Ultrasound (MIT-U 5)

At level MIT-U 5 the employee will be trained in ultrasound and on the ASAR register. The employee will supervise staff training in ultrasound and be experienced in and have demonstrated competence in all areas of ultrasound. They may receive direction from the Chief Radiographer, where appointed, or directly from the radiologist/physician or manager supervising the practice. They will assist in administrative tasks in ultrasound and in planning of the rosters, workload and productivity of ultrasound staff. They will ensure patient satisfaction and examination quality of their work and that of any staff member supervised and will work co-operatively and productively with all other members of staff. They will ensure that documents necessary for the continuance of the practice’s ultrasound accreditation are maintained and kept up-to-date. They will demonstrate an ability and willingness to train less experienced staff in areas in which they are competent. They will demonstrate a willingness to perform and to have knowledge of the general maintenance requirements of the areas for which they are responsible.

4.9.5 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MIT-MRI) means a Medical Imaging Technologist in 4.9 appointed as such by the employer who meets the standards required by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists quality and accreditation program for MIT-MRI and who maintains their own CPD.

4.9.5(a) Level 2 – Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MIT-MRI 2)

At level MIT-MRI 2 the employee will have begun training in MRI and will be training to perform routine procedures in this subspecialty. The employee will require on-the-job instruction in technique and protocols by senior staff in relation to these tasks and will require constant supervision. When the employee begins training at this level they may not be enrolled in post-graduate tertiary studies. However, they will be expected to participate in an appropriate accreditation program and begin working towards Level 1 Accreditation.

4.9.5(b) Level 3 - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MIT-MRI 3)

At level MIT-MRI 3 the employee’s training in MRI may have commenced their Master of Health Science program or a program of equivalent tertiary studies in MRI. The employee may have attained Level 1 accreditation in MRI in the accreditation program or be working towards this level. The employee will be working towards managing examination quality of routine MRI procedures, workflow and patient satisfaction and will work under general directions from his/her supervisor. They will also demonstrate a willingness to learn and perform more complex and difficult techniques and procedures under the supervision of appropriately qualified staff and will work with relevant personnel to ensure compliance with the MRI accreditation processes for the practice. They will demonstrate an ability and willingness to train less experienced staff in areas in which they are competent. They will demonstrate a willingness to perform and to have knowledge of the general maintenance requirements of the areas to which they are assigned.

4.9.5(c) Level 4 - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MIT-MRI 4)

At level MIT-MRI 4 the employee will be trained in MRI and may have successfully completed his/her Master of Health Science program or equivalent tertiary studies in MRI as well as the Certificate of Specialisation in MRI. The employee will be accredited at Level 1 and be working towards Level 2 accreditation. They will effectively manage examination quality of all MRI examinations, workflow and patient satisfaction and will work under general instructions from their supervisor in these areas. They will work with relevant personnel to ensure compliance with the MRI accreditation process for the practice. They will demonstrate an ability and willingness to train less experienced staff in areas in which they are competent. They will demonstrate a willingness to perform and to have knowledge of the general maintenance requirements of the areas to which they are assigned.

4.9.5(d) Level 5 - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MIT-MRI 5)

At level MIT-MRI 5 the employee will be trained in MRI and may have successfully completed their Masters in Health Science with a Certificate of Specialisation in MRI or equivalent tertiary studies and be an experienced senior MRI operator. They will also be accredited at Level 2. They will supervise staff training in MRI and be experienced in and have demonstrated competence in all areas of MRI. They may receive direction from the Chief Radiographer, where appointed, or directly from the radiologist/physician or manager supervising the practice. They will assist in administrative tasks in MRI and in planning of the rosters, workload and productivity of the MRI staff and will ensure patient satisfaction and examination quality of their work and that of any staff member supervised. They will work co-operatively and productively with all other members of staff; will take responsibility for the practice’s MRI accreditation process; and will ensure that documents necessary for the continuance of the practice’s MRI accreditation are kept up-to-date and that relevant testing procedures are carried out in a timely manner. They will demonstrate an ability and willingness to train less experienced staff in areas in which they are competent. They will demonstrate a willingness to perform and to have knowledge of the general maintenance requirements of the areas for which they are responsible.

4.10 Imaging Assistant means an employee appointed to assist others in the practice in the performance of their work, and who maintains their own CPD.

4.11 Commission means the Australian Industrial Relations Commission.

4.12 Union means the Health Services Union of Australia-NSW Branch.