Physician Office Medical Device Reprocessing Assessments

The POMDRA initiative supports, educates and assesses community-based registrants who reprocess reusable semi-critical and or/critical medical devices in their clinical offices.

Protecting the public through best practices for reprocessing medical devices

The POMDRA initiative is based on the best practice requirements and recommendations established by the Ministry of Health for the safe reuse and reprocessing of reusable medical devices.

What is reprocessing?

Reprocessing are the steps taken to prepare contaminated or dirty reusable medical devices for reuse. There are many steps involved in the reprocessing of a medical device.

Every step must be followed as infectious agents can be transmitted from one patient to another through incorrect or inadequate reprocessing of medical devices.

Which medical devices require thorough reprocessing and sterilization?

Critical medical devices

Critical devices are used to puncture the skin or mucous membrane, enter the vascular system or sterile cavity, or through which sterile fluids run. Examples include:

  • surgical instruments
  • suture scissors
  • forceps
  • biopsy forceps
  • biopsy equipment associated with endoscopy equipment
  • all implantable and intravascular devices

Semi-critical medical devices

Semi-critical devices are used to make contact with intact mucous membranes or non-intact skin. Examples include:

  • respiratory therapy equipment
  • laryngoscope blades
  • flexible endoscopes
  • vaginal specula
  • ultrasound probes
  • ear and nasal specula
  • pessaries
  • diaphragm fitting rings

For community-based office settings

This initiative applies to physicians and surgeons who practise in a community-based office setting. This includes:

  • a solo office
  • multi-registrant clinical office
  • long-term and short-term locums

In a multi-registrant clinical office, the medical director will be responsible for participation in an assessment.

What about hospitals?

POMDRA does not apply to clinical offices or outpatient clinics which are under the direct jurisdiction of a health authority or hospital, and where MDR practices are monitored and evaluated by the health authority. 

Patient safety

Our overriding interest is the protection and safety of patients and to ensure physicians and surgeons meet expected standards of practice and conduct.

POMDRA is one of several activities that support this mandate by assessing community-based clinical offices to ensure they meet expected standards for reprocessing medical devices.

How does POMDRA work?

Through a series of questionnaires, supportive feedback, and a clinical site assessment, our POMDRA team helps registrants and their staff understand, and meet, current standards for reprocessing medical devices.

How does the College determine who participates in assessments?
What to expect during the assessment process
Who conducts the assessments?
Current standards for medical device reprocessing

How to stay on top of best practices

Monitoring, documenting and maintaining your steam sterilization process
Read the College's requirements for reprocessing ultrasound probes
Successful sterilization begins with careful cleaning and packaging of reusable medical devices
All employees who have responsibility for reprocessing require education and training

Do you have questions?

Our website has lots of important and useful information for registrants, clinic staff and the public. If you have questions our website has not answered, or you need more information about POMDRA, you can reach us by email at pomdra@cpsbc.ca or by fax at 604 733-3503. Clinic assessment documents may be submitted by email or fax.