Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 111-8-40-.25

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through October 29, 2024

Rule 111-8-40-.25 - Laboratory Services

The hospital shall maintain or arrange for clinical laboratory services to meet the needs of hospital patients.

(a)Organization and Staffing for Clinical Laboratory Services. The administration, performance, and operation of all laboratories used by the hospital, as well as any laboratory functions performed by the hospital, shall conform to the Rules and Regulations for Licensure of Clinical Laboratories, Chapter 111-8-10.

1. The hospital shall have an organizational plan for laboratory services that identifies the scope of the services provided and the qualifications of the individuals necessary for the performance of various aspects of clinical laboratory services and delineates the lines of authority and accountability.

2. There shall be a qualified director of clinical laboratory services who is a member of the medical staff and meets the requirements for a director set forth in the Rules and Regulations for Clinical Laboratories, Chapter 111-8-10.

3. The director shall be responsible for the administration of clinical laboratory services, including the evaluation of the effectiveness of the services in coordination with the hospital's quality management program.

(b) The hospital shall have emergency laboratory services available at all times.

(c) The hospital shall provide for medical staff a written description of all laboratory services available.

(d) Reports of laboratory procedures and results shall be included in the patient's medical record.

(e) The hospital shall have an effective procedure for notifying in a timely manner the patient's physician and responsible nursing staff of critical values from laboratory tests.

(f) The hospital shall require that the laboratory report any epidemiologically significant pathogens to the hospital's infection control program.

(g)Tissue Pathology. Hospitals which provide surgery services shall have or arrange for tissue pathology services through a licensed or certified clinical laboratory which has a system for:

1. Designation of those tissue specimens which require examination and for procedures for maintaining a tissue file; and

2. Directing pathology reports to the patient's medical record and for reporting unusual or abnormal results to the attending physician in a timely manner.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 111-8-40-.25

O.C.G.A. Ch. 31-22, Sec. 31-7-2.1.

Original Rule entitled "Laboratory Services" adopted. F. Feb. 20, 2013; eff. Mar. 12, 2013.