Important news for members performing fetal ultrasound scans

From 1 October 2013, MPS is changing its membership rules for healthcare professionals who conduct fetal ultrasound scans. Members need to ensure that they are in the correct membership category if fetal scanning forms part of their professional practice.

A failure to detect an abnormality on fetal ultrasound can lead to a very substantial claim being made against members. After careful consideration, we have decided it is necessary to make the changes outlined below in the interests of fairness to all members and, as far as possible, to maintain the affordability of subscriptions.

How the changes affect members

The changes affect the scope of practice permitted within membership grades and some subscription rates for those performing fetal scans. Regardless of membership category, GPs, radiographers, sonographers and other non-specialists will no longer be entitled to seek assistance from MPS in relation to the performance of fetal scans beyond basic dating scans, as described below.

When members renew their membership on or after 1 October 2013, they will no longer be able to seek assistance from MPS in cases involving fetal scans unless they are in one of the following membership categories:

• GP members in the “Procedural GP” or “Obstetric GP” categories may carry out basic ‘dating’ scans, performed in the first trimester and limited to the confirmation of pregnancy, its location and gestational age by measurement of crown-rump length or biparietal diameter. 
• Radiographers and sonographers must contact MPS before their membership renewal date. Members who are accepted into an enhanced radiography category, which has an increased subscription, may carry out basic ‘dating’ scans (as described above).
• Specialists in radiology must contact MPS before their membership renewal date. Members who are accepted into a specialist radiology category, which has an increased subscription, may carry out ultrasound scans beyond basic ‘dating’ scans including detailed ultrasound scans to detect fetal anomalies.
• Specialists in obstetrics and gynaecology may continue to perform detailed fetal scans within their current membership grade.

When will these changes come into effect?

The above changes take effect when members renew their membership on or after 1 October 2013. This means that if a members’ annual renewal date falls before 30 September 2013, the changes will not affect them until their next renewal date in 2014. Members who are uncertain of their renewal date should email mps@samedical.org for clarification.

It is important that members who carry out fetal ultrasound scans as part of their practice contact us when the time comes to renew their membership to ensure that they are in the right membership category. Members will not be entitled to seek assistance for any problems arising from fetal scans which are not permitted within their membership category.

Members who wish to discuss this further can call MPS on 0800 225 677 (toll free) to speak to a membership adviser or email mps@samedical.org.