Non-Doctor clinical scientists permitted to sign lab test reports

According to gazette notification related to Clinical Establishment (Central Government) Amendment Rules 2020, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare held that candidates with MSc in Pathology or Medical Microbiology or Medical Biochemistry with at least three years training or laboratory work experience can do medical tests, generate and sign test reports. The notification followed the decision pertaining to the role of an authorized signatory taken by the Board of Governors in supersession of the Medical Council of India. All such test reports generated are meant to have a disclaimer so that the reports are firmly for the use of medical practitioners and are not a medical diagnosis as such.

This decision has been welcomed by the teachers. Dr. Sridhar Rao, President National MSc Medical Teachers Association (MMTA) informed that clinical scientists in countries such as the US, UK, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the EU and Middle East countries are permitted to sign the diagnostic reports. He asserted that with the union government clearing the way, all the states should implement these rules.

Before the amendment, MBBS doctors with at least one year training or work experience in a medical diagnostic laboratory were also authorised signatories of diagnostic laboratory test reports. Those MBBS doctors who are working in the government sector are relieved from the laboratory training or work experience. The Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act has been passed by the government to provide for registration and regulation of all clinical institutions in the country with a view to recommending the minimum standards of facilities and services provided by them.

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