Is it time for a dedicated pediatric MRI ACR accreditation program?

Abstract

Participation in ACR accreditation programs has become an essential practice for adult and pediatric imaging centers across the country. The responsibility for these ACR programs is vested in the Commission on Quality and Safety, 1 of 7 operational commissions in the ACR. The MRI Accreditation Program evaluates the qualifications of personnel, quality control programs, MR safety policies, and image quality specific to MRI. Currently, the ACR MRI Accreditation Program is designed primarily to evaluate adult MRI practices, which are in many ways not applicable to pediatric applications and facilities. In this article, the authors describe the difficulties faced during the ACR MRI Accreditation Program at a dedicated children's hospital and offer suggested changes for the process.