This program will cover CMS’s high level plans for its new quality control (QC) policy “Individualized Quality Control Plans” (IQCP), which incorporates key concepts from the CLSI document, Evaluation EP-23.  It will provide the latest statistics on CLIA program enrollment and the top 10 deficiencies cited by CMS on recent CLIA surveys.  There will be updates on the planned revisions to the existing proficiency testing (PT) regulations and the recently published proposed rule granting patients access to their laboratory test results.  It will also include a refresher on the personnel standards and the rationale for the focus on qualification documentation, along with current thoughts on competency assessment.  Last, but not least, a new project for pre-survey education of certificate of waiver laboratories will be presented.

This Webinar CEexpress course focuses on:

• Knowing CMS’s high level plans and approach for IQCP and where to go for further information;
• Learning how to recognize/prevent frequently identified deficiencies in your lab and improve quality;
• Understanding the approach for the CMS “Ready, Set, Test!” project to educate waived laboratories, and its goals; and
• Knowing the current status of CMS regulations in progress: PT and patient access

The course links you to an archived version of the webinar slide and audio program, and to available pdf file resources.  Your computer must have audio capabilities to hear the audio portion of the presentation.

This course has been approved for P.A.C.E.® credit.  You must successfully complete the quiz and submit the course evaluation to receive credit.