CLIA Steps Up Enforcement:
What Does It Mean for You?

Program Overview:

When: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 2:00 - 3:30 pm Eastern Time Format: 90-minute audio conference The Speakers: Moderator and Overview: Alan Mertz, President ACLA Presenters: Judy Yost, M.A., M.T., Director Division of CLIA Laboratory Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Dr. Bruce Williams Chair, Commission on Laboratory Accreditation, College of American Pathologists Laboratory Accreditation Program

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is responsible for overseeing compliance with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA). Clinical laboratories have a choice of oversight agencies including (1) their state survey agency, under contract with CMS; (2) their state CLIA-exempt program for labs in New York and Washington State; or (3) one of six private accrediting organizations. In June 2006, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on clinical lab quality and specifically on the oversight role of CMS and the survey organizations. Based on recommendations from that report and the new quality control requirements for non-waived testing issued in 2003 (most of which are no longer educational, but now required), CMS and its partners have heightened interest in laboratory quality oversight.

This ACLA LABline will provide expert insight into current CLIA compliance requirements and enforcement activities. You will learn, from the lead agency expert, CMS's current thinking on how CMS's quality control policy changes impact the survey process, helpful hints related to the top deficiencies found on laboratory inspections and areas of concern identified by CMS and how to prevent their occurrence in your laboratory. A representative from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) will discuss how Accrediting Organization compliance requirements meet or exceed CLIA requirements and how their approach differs from the CMS procedures.

This program is applicable to all clinical laboratorians as well as health policy makers and others. The audio conference will communicate important information about CLIA compliance and penalties and provide helpful education to assist in the survey process.

How it Works:

It's easy. Sign-up using the Online registration form or download the form and fill out as needed. The registration fee entitles each site to one phone line with as many participants at the site as interested. So please, share this information packed program with your colleagues. Prior to the audio conference, we will provide you with instructions on how to sign-in and participate.

Attend this Audio Conference and Learn:

• The Top Ten CLIA Deficiencies and Helpful Compliance Hints.
• CMS QC Policy Change for Non-waived Testing.
• PT Referral Issues and Lab Director Responsibilities.
• Enhanced Education and Outreach Activities from CMS and Private Accrediting Bodies.

5 Ways to Register:

• CALL: 202-637-9466
• DOWNLOAD form and FAX to: 202-637-2050
• DOWNLOAD form and MAIL to:
  1250 H Street, NW
  Suite 880
  Washington, DC 20005
• EMAIL: chawk@clinical-labs.org
• ONLINE: CLICK HERE!