NAC652.286. Duties of director: Personnel.

A director shall ensure that:

     1. The laboratory employs a sufficient number of personnel, with the appropriate education and appropriate experience or training, to perform tests and report the results accurately.

     2. Before the laboratory tests the specimen of any patient, all the personnel of the laboratory:

     (a) Have the appropriate education and experience, and receive the appropriate training, for the type and complexity of services offered by the laboratory; and

     (b) Demonstrate their abilities reliably to perform all testing procedures in such a manner as to obtain and report accurate results.

     3. Policies and procedures are established for monitoring personnel who perform the analytic phase of each test, and any activities conducted before and after that phase, to:

     (a) Ensure that they are competent, and maintain their competency, to process specimens, perform testing procedures, and report the results promptly and proficiently; and

     (b) Identify any need for remedial training or continuing education to improve their skills.

     4. A manual of the appropriate and current methods and procedures used in the laboratory, which is approved in writing by the director, is available to all personnel responsible for any aspect of the testing process.

     5. The duties and responsibilities of:

     (a) Every person who acts as a consultant to the laboratory; and

     (b) Every person engaged in the performance of the analytic phase of each test and any activities conducted before and after that phase,

Ê are specified in writing.

     6. Protocols specify the examinations and procedures each person is authorized to perform, and the supervision of the person required before the results of a patient’s test may be reported.

     7. A qualified pathologist reviews all abnormal cytologic slides within 3 days after their initial screening.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Health, eff. 10-22-93)