Etowah Pediatrics

Summary Statement of Deficiencies D5415 TEST SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS, REAGENT CFR(s): 493.1252(c) (c) Reagents, solutions, culture media, control materials, calibration materials, and other supplies, as appropriate, must be labeled to indicate the following: (c)(1) Identity and when significant, titer, strength or concentration. (c)(2) Storage requirements. (c)(3) Preparation and expiration dates. (c)(4) Other pertinent information required for proper use. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on direct observation during the laboratory tour, a review of the Complete Blood Count (CBC) Quality Control (QC) package insert, and an interview with the Technical Consultant (TC) and Testing Personnel 1 (TP1), the laboratory failed to write the new expiration dates on QC vials after opening. The surveyor noted three of the three levels of QC currently in use had no open expiration dates recorded. The findings include: 1. During the laboratory tour on 4-14-2026 at approximately 9:08 AM the surveyor observed TP had not recorded the new expiration date on the CBC QC vials after opening for the following controls. A) Abnormal Low, Lot 352618311, Expires 06-05-2026 B) Normal, Lot 362618312, Expires 06-05-2026 C) Abnormal High, Lot 372618313, Expires 06-05-2026 2. A review of the DxH 500 Series Control package insert revealed the manufacturer's open-vial stability of 16 days. 3. During an interview with TP1 on 04-14-2026 at 9:16 AM, TP1 stated the laboratory opens a new vial of controls every first and fifteen of the month but had no documentation of the process. D5481 CONTROL PROCEDURES CFR(s): 493.1256(f)(g) (f) Results of control materials must meet the laboratorys and, as applicable, the manufacturers test system criteria for acceptability before reporting patient test Statement of Deficiencies (X1) Provider/Supplier/CLIA Identification Number (X3) Date Survey Completed Name of Provider or Supplier Street Address, City, State -- 1 of 2 -- results. (g) The laboratory must document all control procedures performed. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on reviews of the 2025 Hematology quality control (QC) records for the Beckman Coulter (BC) DxH 520 analyzer, the patient daily lab journal, and interviews with the Technical Consultant (TC) and Testing Personnel (TP), the laboratory failed to ensure at least two levels of quality control were performed and acceptable, prior to analyzing patient specimens and reporting the results. The surveyor noted three of the five months reviewed from July 2024 through March 2026 were missing the QC performance documentation. The findings include: 1. A review of the BC DxH 520 QC records revealed no documentation of the three levels of QC performed prior to patient testing for the following months. A) July 2024, 19 days B) April 2025, 22 days C) October 2025, 14 days 2. A review of the patient daily lab journal revealed 355 patients were performed and results reported when QC was not documented prior to analyzing patient specimens. 3. The TC and TP confirmed the above findings during the exit conference on 04-15-2026 at 1:13 PM. D6046 TECHNICAL CONSULTANT RESPONSIBILITIES CFR(s): 493.1413(b)(8) (b)(8) Evaluating the competency of all testing personnel and assuring that the staff maintain their competency to perform test procedures and report test results promptly, accurately and proficiently. The procedures for evaluation of the competency of the staff must include, but are not limited to-- This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on a review of the personnel records listed on the CMS 209 Form (Laboratory Personnel Report), and an interview with the Technical Consultant, the TC failed to ensure competency assessments for Testing Personnel (TP) performing moderate complexity analysis in Hematology included the six minimal CLIA regulatory requirements. The surveyor noted four of the four TP competency assessments were missing the six requirements. The findings include: 1. A review of the 2024-2026 personnel records revealed TP competency assessments for TP1-4 in the Hematology specialty had no documentation of the six minimal CLIA regulatory requirements which are as follows: (1) Direct observations of routine patient test performance, including patient preparation, if applicable, specimen handling, processing, and testing. (2) Monitoring the recording and reporting of test results. (3) Review of intermediate test results of worksheets, quality control records, proficiency testing results, and preventive maintenance results. (4) Direct observation of performance of instrument maintenance and function checks. (5) Assessment of test performance through testing previously analyzed specimens, internal blind testing samples or external proficiency testing samples. (6) Assessment of problem-solving skills. 2. TC confirmed the above findings during the exit conference on 04-15-2026 at 1:13 PM. -- 2 of 2 --

Summary Statement of Deficiencies D2009 TESTING OF PROFICIENCY TESTING SAMPLES CFR(s): 493.801(b)(1) The individual testing or examining the samples and the laboratory director must attest to the routine integration of the samples into the patient workload using the laboratory's routine methods. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on a review of the 2022-2023 API (American Proficiency Institute) PT (Proficiency Testing) records and an interview with the Laboratory Director, the laboratory failed to ensure the Laboratory Director signed the attestation statements for three of five survey events. The findings include: 1. A review of the API PT records revealed no signature by the Laboratory Director (or designee) on attestation statements for the following surveys: a) 2022 Hematology 3rd Event. b) 2023 Hematology 1st Event. c) 2023 Hematology 2nd Event. 2. During an interview on 5/16 /24, at 9:53 AM, the Laboratory Director confirmed the above findings. D5211 EVALUATION OF PROFICIENCY TESTING PERFORMANCE CFR(s): 493.1236(a) The laboratory must review and evaluate the results obtained on proficiency testing performed as specified in subpart H of this part. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on a review of the 2022-2023 API (American Proficiency Institute) PT (Proficiency Testing) records and an interview with the Laboratory Director, the laboratory failed to document review for two of five survey events. The findings include: 1. A review of the API PT records revealed no documentation of review by the Laboratory Director, or designee, for the following surveys: a) 2022 Hematology Statement of Deficiencies (X1) Provider/Supplier/CLIA Identification Number (X3) Date Survey Completed Name of Provider or Supplier Street Address, City, State -- 1 of 6 -- 2nd Event. b) 2023 Hematology 1st Event. 2. During an interview on 5/16/2024, at 9: 53 AM, the Laboratory Director confirmed the above findings. D5400 ANALYTIC SYSTEMS CFR(s): 493.1250 Each laboratory that performs nonwaived testing must meet the applicable analytic systems requirements in 493.1251 through 493.1283, unless HHS approves a procedure, specified in Appendix C of the State Operations Manual (CMS Pub.7), that provides equivalent quality testing. The laboratory must monitor and evaluate the overall quality of the analytic systems and correct identified problems as specified in 493.1289 for each specialty and subspecialty of testing performed. This CONDITION is not met as evidenced by: Based on reviews of the Policy and Procedures manual, validation records, calibration records, QC (Quality Control) records, QA (Quality Assessment) records, and interviews with the Laboratory Director, the laboratory failed to ensure: A) Policies and procedures for the Hematology analyzer were updated and approved by the Laboratory Director. (Refer to D5407.) B) An acceptable calibration was performed by the Beckman Coulter Service Engineer during the validation of the AcT Diff 2 Hematology analyzer and approved by the Laboratory Director. (Refer to D5421.) C) Calibrations on the BC (Beckman Coulter) AcT Diff 2 and DxH 520 Hematology analyzers were performed every six months. (Refer to D5437.) D) A mechanism was implemented to monitor for shifts and trends in Hematology QC. (Refer to D5441.) E) The QA (Quality Assessment) program was maintained to assure the quality of laboratory services provided. (Refer to D5791.) D5407 PROCEDURE MANUAL CFR(s): 493.1251(d) Procedures and changes in procedures must be approved, signed, and dated by the current laboratory director before use. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on a review of the Policy and Procedure Manual and an interview with the Laboratory Director, the laboratory failed to ensure policies and procedures for the Hematology analyzer were updated and approved by the Laboratory Director. This was noted from the implementation date of the new Beckman Coulter DxH 520 Hematology analyzer on 5/24/2023, to the date of the current survey, 5/16/2024. The findings include: 1. A review of the Policy and Procedure manual revealed the discontinued Hematology AcT Diff 2 analyzer policy was still active. There was no evidence of the Laboratory Director's approval of the new DxH 520 Hematology analyzer user manual procedures. 2. During an interview on 5/16/2024 at 10:00 AM, the Laboratory Director confirmed the policies and procedures were not updated and approved when the new Hematology analyzer was implemented. D5421 ESTABLISHMENT AND VERIFICATION OF PERFORMANCE CFR(s): 493.1253(b)(1) Each laboratory that introduces an unmodified, FDA-cleared or approved test system must do the following before reporting patient test results: (1)(i) Demonstrate that it -- 2 of 6 -- can obtain performance specifications comparable to those established by the manufacturer for the following performance characteristics: (1)(i)(A) Accuracy. (1)(i) (B) Precision. (1)(i)(C) Reportable range of test results for the test system. (1)(ii) Verify that the manufacturer's reference intervals (normal values) are appropriate for the laboratory's patient population. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on a review of the Hematology validation calibration records, a review of the Beckman Coulter (BC) DxH 520 user manual, and an interview with the LD (Laboratory Director), the laboratory failed to ensure an acceptable calibration was performed by the Beckman Coulter Service Engineer during the validation of the BC DxH 520 Hematology analyzer, prior to patient testing. This was noted for one of one instruments, the DxH 520, implemented on 5/24/2023. The findings include: 1. A review of the calibration performed during the validation of the BC DxH 520 Hematology analyzer revealed calibration for WBC (White Blood Cell) was "needed"; there was no evidence of an acceptable calibration of the WBC parameter performed during the installation and validation by the Beckman Coulter Service Engineer. The Laboratory Director also failed to document review and approval of the validation. 2. A review of the BC DxH 520 user manual on page 52 under "CALIBRATION / REPRODUCIBILITY" revealed, "Verify PASSED for all parameters." 3. During an interview on 5/16/2024, at 11:03 AM, the Laboratory Director confirmed the above findings. D5437 CALIBRATION AND CALIBRATION VERIFICATION CFR(s): 493.1255(a) Unless otherwise specified in this subpart, for each applicable test system the laboratory must perform and document calibration procedures-- (1) Following the manufacturer's test system instructions, using calibration materials provided or specified, and with at least the frequency recommended by the manufacturer; (2) Using the criteria verified or established by the laboratory as specified in 493.1253(b) (3)-- (2)(i) Using calibration materials appropriate for the test system and, if possible, traceable to a reference method or reference material of known value; and (2)(ii) Including the number, type, and concentration of calibration materials, as well as acceptable limits for and the frequency of calibration; and (3) Whenever calibration verification fails to meet the laboratory's acceptable limits for calibration verification. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on a review of the Hematology calibration records, a review of the QA (Quality Assessment) program, and an interview with the LD (Laboratory Director), the laboratory failed to perform acceptable calibrations on the BC (Beckman Coulter) AcT Diff 2 and DxH 520 Hematology analyzers every six months as per the laboratory QA policy. This was noted for two of five calibrations reviewed in 2022 through 2024. The findings include: 1. A review of the Hematology calibration records revealed the following: a) The BC AcT Diff 2 was last calibrated on 4/21 /2023. No evidence of documentation that another calibration was performed on the AcT Diff 2 for the second half of 2023. b) The new BC DxH 520 Hematology analyzer was implemented and calibrated on 5/24/2023, however this calibration was invalid. (Refer to D5421.) c) Ten and a half months later the BC DxH 520 was -- 3 of 6 -- calibrated on 4/4/2024. 2. A review of the QA Program revealed, "Calibration is performed and documented at least every 6 months." 3. During an interview on 5/16 /2024, at 11:21 AM, the LD confirmed the above findings. D5441 CONTROL PROCEDURES CFR(s): 493.1256(a)(b)(c)(g) (a) For each test system, the laboratory is responsible for having control procedures that monitor the accuracy and precision of the complete analytic process. (b) The laboratory must establish the number, type, and frequency of testing control materials using, if applicable, the performance specifications verified or established by the laboratory as specified in 493.1253(b)(3). (c) The control procedures must-- (c)(1) Detect immediate errors that occur due to test system failure, adverse environmental conditions, and operator performance. (c)(2) Monitor over time the accuracy and precision of test performance that may be influenced by changes in test system performance and environmental conditions, and variance in operator performance. (g) The laboratory must document all control procedures performed. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on a review of BC (Beckman Coulter) DxH 520 Hematology Quality Control (QC) records and an interview with the Laboratory Director, the laboratory failed to implement a mechanism monitoring the accuracy and precision of test performance over time. The findings include: 1. A review of BC DxH 520 QC records revealed only raw data from the instrument. No evidence of Levy-Jennings charts or peer group data was available for review during the survey. 2. During an interview on 5/16/2024 at 12:50 PM, the Surveyor inquired about the review of Levy-Jennings charts for the DxH 520 Hematology analyzer. The Laboratory Director confirmed the laboratory was not reviewing Levy-Jennings charts, and had not implemented another mechanism to monitor for shifts or trends in that testing system. D5791 ANALYTIC SYSTEMS QUALITY ASSESSMENT CFR(s): 493.1289(a)(c) (a) The laboratory must establish and follow written policies and procedures for an ongoing mechanism to monitor, assess, and when indicated, correct problems identified in the analytic systems specified in 493.1251 through 493.1283. (c) The laboratory must document all analytic systems assessment activities. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on a review of the Policies and Procedures and an interview with the Laboratory Director, the laboratory failed to maintain a QA (Quality Assessment) program to assure the quality of laboratory services provided. This was noted from the date of the previous survey on 7/12/2022 to the date of the current survey on 5/16 /2024. The findings include: 1. A review of Policies and Procedures revealed no evidence of documentation on the QA plan for the facility. 2. During an interview on 5 /16/2024 at 1:40 PM, the Laboratory Director confirmed he stopped using the monthly QA checklist. D6000 MODERATE COMPLEXITY LABORATORY DIRECTOR CFR(s): 493.1403 -- 4 of 6 -- The laboratory must have a director who meets the qualification requirements of 493. 1405 of this subpart and provides overall management and direction in accordance with 493.1407 of this subpart. This CONDITION is not met as evidenced by: Based on reviews of the BC (Beckman Coulter) DxH 520 validation records, QA (Quality Assessment) records, Policy and Procedure Manual, and interviews with the Laboratory Director, the Laboratory Director: 1) Failed to document review and approval of the validation procedures for the BC DxH 520. (Refer to D6013.) 2) Failed to maintain a QA program to assure the quality of laboratory services provided. (Refer to D6021.) 3) Failed to document approval of the new Beckman Coulter DxH 520 Hematology analyzer user manual. (Refer to D6031.) D6013 LABORATORY DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES CFR(s): 493.1407(e)(3)(ii) The laboratory director is responsible for the overall operation and administration of the laboratory, including the employment of personnel who are competent to perform test procedures, and record and report test results promptly, accurate, and proficiently and for assuring compliance with the applicable regulations. (e) The laboratory director must-- (e)(3) Ensure that-- (e)(3)(ii) Verification procedures used are adequate to determine the accuracy, precision, and other pertinent performance characteristics of the method; This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on a review of the validation records for the Beckman Coulter DxH 520 Hematology analyzer and an interview with the Laboratory Director, the Laboratory Director failed to document review and approval of the validation procedures prior to instrument use for patient testing. This was noted for one of one instruments, the DxH 520, implemented on 5/24/2023. The findings include: 1. A review of the Beckman Coulter DxH 520 validation records revealed no evidence of the Laboratory Director's review and approval (as evidenced by signature and date) before the instrument was utilized for patient testing on 5/24/2023. 2. During an interview on 5/16/2024 at 10:30 AM, the Laboratory Director confirmed the above findings. D6021 LABORATORY DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES CFR(s): 493.1407(e)(5) The laboratory director is responsible for the overall operation and administration of the laboratory, including the employment of personnel who are competent to perform test procedures, and record and report test results promptly, accurate, and proficiently and for assuring compliance with the applicable regulations. (e) The laboratory director must-- (e)(5) Ensure that quality assessment programs are established and maintained to assure the quality of laboratory services provided. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on a review of the Policies and Procedures and an interview with the Laboratory Director, the Laboratory Director failed to maintain a QA (Quality Assessment) program to assure the quality of laboratory services provided. This was noted from the date of the previous survey on 7/12/2022 to the date of the current -- 5 of 6 -- survey on 5/16/2024. The findings include: 1. A review of Policies and Procedures revealed no evidence of documentation on the QA plan for the facility. 2. During an interview on 5/16/2024 at 1:40 PM, the Laboratory Director confirmed he stopped using the monthly QA checklist. D6031 LABORATORY DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES CFR(s): 493.1407(e)(13) The laboratory director is responsible for the overall operation and administration of the laboratory, including the employment of personnel who are competent to perform test procedures, and record and report test results promptly, accurate, and proficiently and for assuring compliance with the applicable regulations. (e) The laboratory director must-- (e)(13) Ensure that an approved procedure manual is available to all personnel responsible for any aspect of the testing process; This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on a review of the Policy and Procedure Manual and an interview with the Laboratory Director, the Laboratory Director failed to document approval of the new Beckman Coulter DxH 520 Hematology analyzer user manual prior to patient testing. This was noted from the implementation date of the DxH 520 on 5/24/2023, to the date of the current survey, 5/16/2024. The findings include: 1. A review of the Policies and Procedures manual revealed no evidence of the Laboratory Director's approval on the DxH 520 user manual. 2. During an interview on 5/16/2024 at 10:00 AM, the Laboratory Director confirmed the above findings. -- 6 of 6 --

Summary Statement of Deficiencies D5413 TEST SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS, REAGENT CFR(s): 493.1252(b) The laboratory must define criteria for those conditions that are essential for proper storage of reagents and specimens, accurate and reliable test system operation, and test result reporting. The criteria must be consistent with the manufacturer's instructions, if provided. These conditions must be monitored and documented and, if applicable, include the following: (1) Water quality. (2) Temperature. (3) Humidity. (4) Protection of equipment and instruments from fluctuations and interruptions in electrical current that adversely affect patient test results and test reports. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on a review of the environmetal logs, and an interview with Testing Personnel (TP) #1, the surveyor determined the laboratory failed to monitor and document room humidity 27 days of patient testing from September through December 2019. The findings include: 1. A review of the 2017-2019 environmental logs revealed the testing personnel had recorded room temperature (acceptable range: 61-95 degrees F [Fahrenheit]), humidity (acceptable ranges: 20-85%), and refrigerator temperatures on a monthly chart until August 2019. Then in September 2019 the laboratory began using a vaccine refrigerator temperature log each day of patient testing. The chart included space to record room temperature, but no dedicated space for humidity. Some of the testing personnel continued to write in the humidity under the room temperature entry, however the suveyor noted 27 days when the laboratory failed to monitor and record humidity: A) on September 18, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 30, 2019 B) on October 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 18, 21 and 22, 2019 C) on November 1, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 22, 2019 D) on December 3, 6, 18, 20 and 30, 2019 The surveyor further noted the acceptable ranges for room temperature and humidity were not specified on the vaccine refrigerator temperature logs. 2. During an interview on 1/16/2020 at 1:15 PM, the surveyor asked why the laboratory had switched to the new temperture logs. TP replied the "State" had given the facility the chart and required its use for Statement of Deficiencies (X1) Provider/Supplier/CLIA Identification Number (X3) Date Survey Completed Name of Provider or Supplier Street Address, City, State -- 1 of 2 -- monitoring any refrigerator with vaccines. The surveyor explained this was a requirement of another agency, not CLIA. The laboratory must ensure the testing personnel continued to monitor and document room temperature and humidity where the AcT diff 2 Hematology analyzer was operated, as per Beckman Coulter's specifications. . D6017 LABORATORY DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES CFR(s): 493.1407(e)(4)(ii) The laboratory director is responsible for the overall operation and administration of the laboratory, including the employment of personnel who are competent to perform test procedures, and record and report test results promptly, accurate, and proficiently and for assuring compliance with the applicable regulations. (e) The laboratory director must-- (e)(4)(ii) Ensure that results are returned within the timeframes established by the proficiency testing program. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on a review of the API (American Proficiency Institute) proficiency testing records and an interview with the Laboratory Director, the surveyor determined the Laboratory Director failed to ensure Hematology results for one of three 2019 surveys were submitted within the timeframes specified by the proficiency testing program. The findings include: 1. A review of the results from the 2019-Event #1 Hematology survey revealed 0% (percent) scores for all parameters due to failure to participate. 2. A review of the records revealed the survey results were due by 3/29/2019, however the instrument printouts for the survey samples were dated 4/1/2019. 3. During an interview on 1/16/2020 at 10:50 AM, the Laboratory Director confirmed the laboratory had missed the submission cutoff date for the 2019-Event #1 survey. SURVEYOR ID# 32558 Licensure and Certification Surveyor -- 2 of 2 --