TCMH successfully completes CLIA recertification

Texas County Memorial Hospital has successfully completed its Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) survey and received official notification last week that the hospital has passed its recertification.

 

The federal CLIA survey is conducted every two years and includes an onsite review to evaluate a laboratory’s compliance with federal standards for quality, accuracy and reliability in laboratory testing.

 

Preparation for the survey was a collaborative effort involving several TCMH team members. Melissa Carter, TCMH laboratory director; Matt Eskew, TCMH respiratory services director; and Kora Dowden, TCMH laboratory medical technologist, worked together throughout the preparation and survey process. Their efforts included reviewing and updating policies, procedures and processes to ensure they were current and reflected the standards required by CLIA. 

 

During the onsite survey, the team demonstrated laboratory practices and processes and worked with the surveyor to address the requirements of the federal review. TCMH received positive feedback during the survey and has now received official confirmation of its successful recertification.

 

Carter said the outcome reflects the preparation and teamwork demonstrated by those involved.

 

“Preparing for a CLIA survey is a team effort, and I am proud of the work that went into this process,” Carter said. “Our team is committed to maintaining high standards every day, and this successful recertification reflects the care and attention we put into our laboratory practices and processes.”

 

Linda Pamperien, TCMH chief financial officer, said the recertification is an important accomplishment for the hospital and the patients it serves.

 

“The laboratory plays an important role in supporting patient care at TCMH, and maintaining our CLIA certification is essential to that work,” Pamperien said. “We appreciate the dedication of Melissa, Matt, Kora and the entire team in making sure our laboratory continues to meet the standards required to provide dependable testing for our patients and providers.”

 

Laboratory services are an essential part of patient care at TCMH, providing physicians and other healthcare providers with information needed to diagnose conditions, monitor patients and guide treatment decisions. Timely and accurate testing helps providers identify health concerns and determine appropriate care.

 

The TCMH Laboratory provides testing services for the hospital’s inpatient and outpatient departments, as well as patients receiving care through TCMH clinics.

 

The CLIA recertification reflects the dedication of the TCMH team and supports the hospital’s ability to provide reliable laboratory testing as part of comprehensive, quality care for patients throughout the communities it serves.