Monday, 25 May 2026
New ASA Position Statement on Point of Care Ultrasound (PoCUS)
This Position Statement outlines PoCUS as a rapidly expanding, real-time imaging tool used across diverse clinical settings to support immediate decision-making. It recognises that while PoCUS improves access to imaging – particularly in acute, rural and resource-limited environments – it remains a complex, operator-dependent diagnostic modality requiring appropriate training, credentialling and adherence to defined scopes of practice. The statement highlights increasing use by multiple professions and the current lack of consistent national standards for PoCUS education, credentialling and governance across Australia and New Zealand.
The Position Statement places strong emphasis on quality and safety, identifying risks such as operator overconfidence, diagnostic error and emerging challenges associated with AI-supported decision-making. In response, it advocates for structured safeguards including training, supervision, documentation, quality assurance and governance frameworks. For practitioners, this signals a clear expectation that PoCUS use must be more formally governed, competency-based and accountable, with individuals responsible for recognising the limits of their expertise and seeking additional imaging where required. It also reinforces the role of sonographers as leaders in education and oversight, creating opportunities for expanded involvement in training, mentorship and program governance, while setting clearer boundaries around safe, high-quality multidisciplinary use of ultrasound
The ASA would like to thank Martin Necas and other generous ASA members, including from ASA’s Sonographer Policy Advisory Committee and NZ Sonography Advisory Group, who shared their expertise and provided feedback during the drafting process.
If you have any questions please reach out to the Policy and Advocacy Team at policy@songraphers.org