History of Medical Technology

History of Medical Technology

• Ann Fagelson preferred to date medical technology from the 14th century.
• Vivian Herrick traced medical technology back to 1500 BC.
• Ruth Williams believed medical technology began in the Medieval Period.
• Ebers papyrus, a book from 1500 BC, described three stages of hookworm infection.
• Ancient Hindu doctors diagnosed diseases by observing urine color.
• Anton van Leeuwenhoek developed the compound microscope.
• Marcello Malpighi was an early microscopist and founder of pathology.
• Rudolph Virchow founded pathology archives in Berlin, Germany.
• Fehling performed the first sugar test in urine in 1848.
• Aniline dye was the first produced dye for bacteria.
• Dr. Douglas established the first chemical laboratory at the University of Michigan related to medicine.
• Dr. William Osler opened the first clinical laboratory at John Hopkins Hospital.
• Dr. William Welch gave the first laboratory course in pathology in an American medical school.

Legal Aspects of Medical Technology

• Law is a rule that determines action of all objects. 
• General law divisions include State Law (promulgated and enforced by state) and Divine Law (not promulgated or enforced by the state).
• Natural Law is a basic understanding of right and wrong.
• Moral Law is the collective sense of right conduct within a community.
• State Law is the law enforced by the state.
• Characteristics of law include rule of conduct, obligatory, promulgated by legitimate authority, and common observance for the benefit of all.
• Functions of law include securing justice, resolving social conflicts, and maintaining harmony.
• Law sources include constitutions and legislation.
• Administrative or executive orders, regulations, and rulings are also types of law, as well as judicial decisions, and jurisprudence. Custom is also a type of law.

Medical Technology Ethics

• Ethics is a theory encompassing moral principles.
• Professional ethics encompass personal, organizational, and corporate standards of behavior for professionals.
• Codes of ethics are guidelines issued by organizations for professionals.
• Medical technology ethics treats the duties of medical technologists to patients, colleagues, and the public.
• Morality is the standard based on natural and moral law embedded in conscience.
• Ethics limits parameters and professions from law-breaking
• Ethics guards professions from dishonesty, deceit, and malpractice.

Laws Related to the Practice of Medical Technology

• The Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969 (RA 5527) includes 32 sections
• Subsequent amendments include RA 6138, PD 498, PD 1517, RA 4688 and RA 7170
• There is an important Clinical Laboratory Act of 1966 (RA 4688)
• Other Acts include the National Blood Services Act of 1994 (RA 7719), The AIDS Control and Prevention Act of 1998 (RA 8504), and the Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969
• The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Modernization Act (RA 8981) (the document details this act and other laws and regulations.

Classification and Scope of Medical Technology

• Definition of terms and classification of medical technology (types and ownership) are detailed. 
• The document details required equipment, laboratory facilities, and personnel for all types of labs (primary, secondary, tertiary).
• Standards of human resources are specified.
• Required documentation and reporting is described.
• Laws, rules, and regulations are detailed.

Medical Laboratory Examination

• Qualification of examinees, including who can take the exam
• Requirements needed for successful examination, and testing in Medical Technology, including the various tests.
• Scope of examination, the subjects covered and specific percentages weighted for each are outlined.
• There is a calculation and explanation for grading.
• Testing procedure, facilities, and personnel are described.
• Examination validity, and enforcement of rules
• Violators are penalized
• Records of all examinations are to be kept
• Information about reporting and enforcement is provided

Other Laws and Regulations

• There is detail on various regulations regarding licensure, issuance of certificates, refusal to issue a certificate basis, investigations and administrative processes for suspension and revocation of certificates, and fees related to each stage in the process
• Other regulations on Foreign Reciprocity and rules and regulations for professional conduct
• Detail on additional laws governing the medical technology field, including legal actions, personnel qualifications, and record keeping.
• There is detailed information for the National Blood Services Act.
• There are detailed regulations for a comprehensive list of laws and rules and regulations.
• Additional topics including the structure of various governing bodies are detailed.