Regulatory developments such as IQCP are part of the curriculum
BY: KURT WOOCK
COLA Inc, Columbia, Md, is an independent, nonprofit laboratory CLIA-accreditation organization, accrediting more than 7,000 clinical diagnostic labs. In July 2013, COLA is launching a new subsidiary, CRI® (COLA Resources Inc), which is focused on educating lab professionals on regulatory developments. CLP sat down with Rose Mary Casados, BSMT, ASCP, president of CRI, and discussed its purpose and plans.
CLP: What is CRI, and what is its relationship to COLA Inc?
Rose Mary Casados: Between the changing health care environment, the depth of regulatory demands placed upon laboratories, and the demand for continuing education, COLA recognized the value and impact continuing education has on driving quality laboratory medicine. COLA formed CRI, which will be in a position to independently focus on the educational needs of this ever-changing environment. Educational and consultative services historically conducted by COLA Inc will now be provided by CRI, with the goal of instructing and training health care professionals to improve their skills and, ultimately, to perform higher-quality services for the communities they serve. In support of this mission, there are two initiatives for CRI: provide an educational platform to assist health care professionals, and assist health care professionals in establishing Continuous Quality standards through consultative services.