Initial outcomes from federally mandated accreditation site surveys of advanced diagnostic imaging facilities performed by the ACR.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the findings of the first year of validation site surveys performed by the ACR pursuant to new federal accreditation requirements for nonhospital advanced diagnostic imaging (ADI) facilities.

Methods: In the first year of validation site surveys (November 2012 to November 2013), the ACR surveyed 943 ADI facilities across 21 states. Data were extracted from these site survey reports and analyzed on the basis of the survey outcomes and the frequency and type of deficiencies and recommendations.

ACR guidance document on MR safe practices: 2013.

Because there are many potential risks in the MR environment and reports of adverse incidents involving patients, equipment and personnel, the need for a guidance document on MR safe practices emerged. Initially published in 2002, the ACR MR Safe Practices Guidelines established de facto industry standards for safe and responsible practices in clinical and research MR environments. As the MR industry changes the document is reviewed, modified and updated.

The ACR guideline on communication: to be or not to be, that is the question.

The ACR has published more than 160 guidelines to assist radiologists in quality practice. One of the most controversial guidelines is on communication, first adopted more than a decade ago. This guideline is coming up for reconsideration and perhaps revision by the ACR Council at the ACR AMCLC in Washington, DC, in May 2010.

Diagnostic radiology reporting and communication: the ACR guideline.

The ACR adopted its "Guideline for Communication: Diagnostic Radiology" in 1991. Since its adoption, the guideline has been the subject of considerable discussion and controversy. In response to more than a decade of debate, the ACR appointed a task force in the summer of 2003 to research and analyze claims and litigation decisions that have been related to the communication or reporting of imaging studies by radiologists.