To address these concerns, the interpretation of a ‘record of the service provider’ has been broadened. A letter of attestation can be provided as an alternative to an equipment service provider’s individual qualifications, licences, and training records.
A letter of attestation must confirm the equipment service provider is appropriately trained in the manufacturers’ recommended servicing procedures and, where applicable, is licenced to service and repair any ionising radiation equipment.
A letter of attestation must:
- Be on business letterhead
- Include the manufacturer and model of the equipment to be serviced and where applicable, the radiation safety licencing details of each equipment service provider
- State that the requisite qualifications, licencing, and training records have been sighted by the attestation letter signatory and can be produced on request for the diagnostic imaging practice and/or their accrediting agency.
- Be signed and dated by an individual with the authority1 to attest to the information provided on behalf of the equipment service provider.
A template letter of attestation is in the User Guide for Diagnostic Imaging Practices applying for Accreditation. Where a diagnostic imaging practice elects to collect the required evidence using attestation letters, the template letter of attestation should be provided to the equipment service providers well in advance of their accreditation application submission date.
An incomplete letter will not meet the evidence requirements for Standard 1.5.
Equipment service providers that provide false or inaccurate information in the attestation letters are legally responsible for any repercussion arising from those claims.
Diagnostic imaging practices who employ their own equipment service providers can also use attestation letters to provide the required evidence. A template, specifically for this purpose, is in the User Guide for Diagnostic Imaging Practices applying for Accreditation.
1A senior manager with delegated authority from the owners of the equipment service agency