Lab Quality Assurance Coordinator

Cabell Huntington Hospital is seeking a full-time Lab Quality Assurance Coordinator. 

 

· Functions as a member of the Cabell Huntington Hospital (CHH) Laboratory Services Team. Plays a central role in the quality assurance, performance improvement program, and the training of laboratory personnel.

· Manages the QA/PI program for the purposes of monitoring and evaluating the quality and appropriateness of patient care services provided by CHH. Helps develop annual performance improvement initiatives and action plans. Submits an annual assessment of the QA/PI program to the Medical Director and Laboratory Manager.

· Evaluates the quality of services and adequacy of equipment, personnel, and working accommodations through on-site inspections and/or review of reports in various areas of the laboratory department. Writes and presents summaries, reports, charts, and graphic representations on topics concerning laboratory services and quality assurance. Analyzes current and historical data for trends.

· Plans and conducts studies on technical and administrative problems involving personnel, organizational structure, new technology, program deficiencies, reporting systems, etc.; recommends changes based on findings.

· Interprets agency policies and directives, prepares guidelines governing laboratory operations, and advises supervisors on preparation, maintenance, review, and revision of procedure manuals. Plans for and implements laboratory improvement programs. Writes Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and instructions relevant to a comprehensive QA/PI program.

· Determines training objectives and develops curriculum and materials to accomplish objectives. Creates original materials for quality control training. Uses expertise to select those techniques that represent the most current and effective laboratory processes.

· Assists with the establishment professional standards that comply with accreditation requirements and regulatory procedures including Joint Commission, CAP, AABB, OSHA, CLSI, and CLIA. Develops criteria consistent with accreditation requirements. Independently determines requirements for specialized laboratory techniques and establishes effective criteria. Ensures criteria represent acceptable standards of quality and can be measured, controlled, collected, evaluated, etc. in an efficient manner. Directly communicates with regulatory agencies including CAP, AABB, CLIA, & JC. Standardizes Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement activities throughout the Medical Center and Ironton campus.

· Assures compliance with proficiency testing programs. Plans, implements, and coordinates acceptable proficiency testing programs in all areas of laboratory medicine. Advises the Medical Director, Laboratory Manager, Supervisors on annual survey selection and coordinates the ordering of surveys with procuring authority. Reviews, evaluates, and monitors the proficiency testing programs to ensure the adequacy of test methods, equipment, process, and competency of personnel performing proficiency testing. Ensures investigation of all failed survey results or results with an identified CAP code and documentation of corrective actions throughout all of CHH, including Point-of-Care Testing sites and outreach facilities.

· Oversees a comprehensive training and competency assessment program for all laboratory medicine personnel; identifies training needs, arranges for/personally conducts in-service training in Current Good Manufacturing Practices, evaluates the effectiveness of training programs and recommends improvements to the program as appropriate.

· Maintains current professional advances through formal education and professional training and networking. Ensures the adequacy of the scientific knowledge applied in the performance of required tests. Recommends the addition or deletion of new tests to the laboratory's service. Evaluates new techniques or practices and determines the feasibility of implementing at CHH Laboratory or at outreach facilities.

· Establishes and maintains liaison with other Federal and state agencies, accrediting organizations, academic institutions, and commercial and private laboratory facilities to keep abreast of new developments, obtain services, and develop and coordinate mutually beneficial projects.

· Develops instructions for converting from manual to automated testing systems. Obtains the necessary approval to implement new techniques or practices at CHH Laboratory or at outreach facilities. Prepares professional implementation plans, including test and evaluation of the techniques in meeting stated objectives. Standardizes Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) throughout