The Mary Lanning Healthcare Laboratory in Hastings, Nebraska recently achieved reaccreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), demonstrating its commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and safety in healthcare. CAP accreditation is a rigorous and ongoing process that goes beyond government minimum requirements, with over 1,432 specific criteria and regular on-site inspections every two years. This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of the entire staff at the MLH Lab.
CAP accreditation plays a vital role in ensuring that laboratories operate in a safe and patient-focused manner. It is not an accreditation that all labs possess, making it even more valuable. By adhering to CAP requirements, the MLH Lab can guarantee the reliability and accuracy of their test results, providing confidence to both patients and healthcare professionals.
Terri Brown, MLH Laboratory Director, emphasized that maintaining accreditation is a daily focus rather than a sporadic event. The entire team works tirelessly to meet the rigorous standards set by CAP, ensuring that the laboratory operates at its best every day. This dedication and commitment result in the achievement of reaccreditation with minimal deficiencies, which did not compromise the quality or safety of the laboratory.
CAP’s Laboratory Accreditation Program also holds significant recognition. It has been granted deeming authority by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which means that CAP inspections can substitute for CMS inspections. Additionally, CAP retains deemed status with various reputable organizations, such as the Joint Commission, United Network for Organ Sharing, the National Marrow Donor Program, and the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapies, further solidifying its credibility.
By maintaining CAP accreditation, the MLH Lab showcases its ongoing commitment to the highest standards of quality, safety, and patient care. This achievement is a true testament to the dedication and expertise of the entire team. Patients can rely on the MLH Lab for accurate test results, contributing to better healthcare outcomes and promoting trust in the medical community.
FAQ
What is CAP accreditation?
CAP accreditation is a rigorous process conducted by the College of American Pathologists to ensure that laboratories meet high standards of quality and safety in healthcare. It involves complying with over 1,432 specific requirements and undergoing regular on-site inspections.
Why is CAP accreditation important?
CAP accreditation is essential as it signifies that a laboratory operates in a safe and patient-focused manner. It guarantees the reliability and accuracy of test results, providing confidence to both patients and healthcare professionals.
How does CAP accreditation benefit patients?
By maintaining CAP accreditation, a laboratory demonstrates its commitment to quality, safety, and patient care. Patients can rely on the laboratory for accurate test results, contributing to better healthcare outcomes and promoting trust within the medical community.
What other organizations recognize CAP accreditation?
CAP’s Laboratory Accreditation Program has been granted deeming authority by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). CAP also maintains deemed status with prestigious organizations such as the Joint Commission, United Network for Organ Sharing, the National Marrow Donor Program, and the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapies.