Medical laboratory technologists are highly trained professionals who play a vital role in health care. This is being recognized through self-regulatory legislation at the provincial level.

Professional status carries with it both rights and responsibilities. Along with the right to use a professional title or designation and to present oneself as a qualified professional, come responsibilities:

• to measure up to the accepted standard of practice
• to adhere to a code of conduct or ethics
• to be accountable for one's professional acts.

Implicit in these responsibilities is the need to maintain knowledge and skills at an appropriate level.

To keep pace with today's rapidly evolving and technically complex laboratory environment, learning must become a lifelong commitment. The CSMLS believes that maintaining our knowledge and skills is a fundamental professional responsibility.

Initially approved November 1996
Reaffirmed March 2002