The Faculty of Radiologists Policy Statement on Nurse Referrals in Radiology Departments
March 21, 2022
There is increasing demand for Advanced Nurse Practitioners to refer for Radiology Examinations. This is being actively supported by the HSE.
Referral, performance and interpretation of imaging are common radiological aspects of patient care. Radiological reports composed pursuant to a radiological examination are intended to be a consultation document to the person responsible for the patient and a communication document regarding the patient’s treatment.
The use of radiological imaging to guide patient care is central to medical practice. The mediclegal description of sending a patient for a radiological imaging investigation has changed from a prescription to a referral. Recent legislation has reaffirmed and expanded the range of healthcare professionals who can refer patients for medical imaging which uses ionising radiation, including radiographers and nurses.