Those holding a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) can land in prison if they run independent pathology labs or sign patients' reports.
"Running an independent pathology lab by a DMLT holder or an equivalent diploma holder is an offence. A DMLT holder can examine a sample, record it but cannot sign on a patient's report independently," a Government Resolution, recently issued by the Medical Education and Drugs Department states.
It also states that violation of this rule would attract a jail term for as long as 10 years and with a fine of Rs 10,000.
A DMLT holder can appoint a pathologist to run a lab, but he or she should be registered under the Maharashtra Medical Council and Medical Council of India, the GR states.
"If found that any diploma holder is running a lab, action will be taken against him under section 33 (2) of the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, 1961," it states.
According to the Act, a first-time offence attracts a rigorous imprisonment of not less than 2 years which may extend up to 5 years or a fine of not less than Rs 2,000 that may go up to Rs 10,000. A second-time offender can be jailed for 10 years and a fine of Rs 10,000 will be levied.
If contravention continues after the order of conviction, a further fine will be levied, which may extend up to Rs 500 for each day of continuation of such a contravention.
