What SSMLT Does

The Saskatchewan Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (SSMLT) is responsible for regulating in the public interest, the registration and practice of Medical Laboratory Technologists under provincial legislation called Medical Laboratory Technologists Act, 1995. All Medical Laboratory Technologists in Saskatchewan must be licensed by SSMLT to practice medical laboratory technology in Saskatchewan. The duties of the SSMLT are licensing qualified and competent MLTs, monitoring and maintaining standards of practice, set requirements for continuing education and the development of standards and policies that support the MLT to practice medical laboratory technology accurately, safely and ethically. SSMLT protects the public by holding accountable the licensed medical laboratory technologists. The SSMLT investigates complaints against member that are received from members, the public, co-workers or other health care professionals.

Investigation/Discipline Process

As the Regulatory Organization for the Medical Laboratory Technologist profession, the SSMLT is responsible for receiving and investigating complaints regarding the Conduct and Competence of Licensed Medical Laboratory Technologists practicing medical laboratory technology in the province of Saskatchewan. The mandate of the SSMLT is to regulate MLTs in the public interest and to ensure that the public is protected.

Please note:
SSMLT cannot investigate anonymous complaints or a complaint against another laboratory professional who are not a member of SSMLT such as medical laboratory assistants, phlebotomists, combined laboratory and X-ray technologists and degree individuals working in medical laboratories.

What is a complaint?

A complaint refers to any complaint, report or allegation in writing and signed by a person regarding the conduct, actions, competence, character, or ability of a member of the SSMLT or former member of the SSMLT pursuant to subsection 20(2) of the Act. Complaints may be filed by members of the public, colleagues, supervisors and employers. The process by which complaints are received and investigated is governed by The Medical Laboratory Technologists Act, 1995 and the Bylaws and Policies of the SSMLT.

If you are concerned that the care or treatment you received from a SSMLT member constituted professional misconduct &/or professional incompetence, you may submit a complaint to the SSMLT. If you are unsure if filing a complaint is the best way to proceed, please contact the SSMLT Executive Director (306-352-6791), who can answer your questions regarding the practice of medical laboratory technology and the complaints process.

What is Professional Incompetence?

Professional incompetence is a question of fact, but the display by a member of:

a lack of knowledge, skill, judgement; or
a disregard for the welfare of members of the public served by the profession;

Of a nature or to an extent that demonstrates that the member is unfit to continue in the practice of the profession is professional incompetence within the meaning of the Act.

What is Professional Misconduct?

Professional misconduct is a question of fact, but any matter, conduct or thing, whether or not disgraceful or dishonourable, is professional misconduct within the meaning of this Act if:

it is harmful to the best interests of the public or the members;
it tends to harm the standing of the profession;
it is a breach of the Act or the bylaws; or
it is a failure to comply with an order of the counselling and investigation committee, the discipline committee or the council.

The definitions of Professional Incompetence and Professional Misconduct are taken from The Medical Laboratory Technologists Act, 1995.

How to File a Complaint

Information required to submit a complaint:

Your name and contact information
Name of the Medical Laboratory Technologist involved
A description of your concerns
The date(s) the event(s) occurred
The name of any hospital or institution involved
The name, address and phone number of any other person who may have information pertaining to your complaint
Copies of any relevant documents you have relating to your complaint

To file a complaint, you may use the online Complaint Form

Investigation

Once your complaint has been received, the SSMLT will open a file, send you an acknowledgment, and the Counselling and Investigation Committee will start an investigation. An investigator will be assigned to the file.

The Counselling and Investigation Committee with the assistance of the investigator will gather more information relating to your complaint. This may include interviewing you, the MLT, and anyone else who may have information relating to your complaint.