This month, Liberty Regional received accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP). The CAP Accreditation Program is designed to foster continuous improvement in practices and protocols of laboratories throughout the United States. The CAP assists hospitals in managing changes in laboratory medicine, technology and regulations. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has given the CAP authority to inspect laboratories around the country in lieu of a CMS inspection. Discipline-specific checklists are utilized in this inspection process that incorporate the latest best practices and have been developed from input by over 500 pathologists. These checklists provide a roadmap for obtaining accreditation and maintaining the highest quality lab services. These services are performed using sophisticated biomedical instrumentation and technology to uncover and provide laboratory analyses that assist physicians in patient diagnosis and treatment as well as in disease monitoring or prevention. The College of American Pathologists uses a unique peer-inspection model for the benefit of both the lab being inspected as well as the inspection team. The CAP Laboratory Accreditation ensures that labs:

· Maintain accuracy of test results and ensure accurate patient diagnoses

· Not only meet but exceed required standards from CLIA, FDA and OSHA, ensuring the highest quality of patient care and safety

 · Manage rapid changes in laboratory medicine and technology

· Exchange ideas and best practices among pathology and lab peers

· Offer professional development and learning opportunities for lab staff On-site inspections by the CAP occur every two years to assess compliance with program requirements.

This prestigious accreditation has been received in time for Liberty Regional’s celebration of National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, April 18th through April 24th, in appreciation for all of their lab staff and Pathologist for the vital role they play in healthcare and patient advocacy.