Texas Arthritis And Rheumatology Specialists

Summary Statement of Deficiencies D0000 An onsite survey conducted 08/28/2023 and 08/29/2023 found the laboratory out of compliance with 42 CFR Part 493, Requirements for Laboratories. The following conditions were not met: D6108 - 42 C.F.R. 493.1447 Condition: Laboratories performing high complexity testing; technical supervisor; D5439 CALIBRATION AND CALIBRATION VERIFICATION CFR(s): 493.1255(b) Unless otherwise specified in this subpart, for each applicable test system the laboratory must do the following: Perform and document calibration verification procedure - (b)(1) Following the manufacturer's calibration verification instructions; (b)(2) Using the criteria verified or established by the laboratory under 493.1253(b)(3) -- (b)(2)(i) Including the number, type, and concentration of the materials, as well as acceptable limits for calibration verification; and (b)(2)(ii) Including at least a minimal (or zero) value, a mid-point value, and a maximum value near the upper limit of the range to verify the laboratory's reportable range of test results for the test system; and (b)(3) At least once every 6 months and whenever any of the following occur: (b)(3)(i) A complete change of reagents for a procedure is introduced, unless the laboratory can demonstrate that changing reagent lot numbers does not affect the range used to report patient test results, and control values are not adversely affected by reagent lot number changes. (b)(3)(ii) There is major preventive maintenance or replacement of critical parts that may influence test performance. (b)(3)(iii) Control materials reflect an unusual trend or shift, or are outside of the laboratory's acceptable limits, and other means of assessing and correcting unacceptable control values fail to identify and correct the problem. (b)(3)(iv) The laboratory's established schedule for verifying the reportable range for patient test results requires more frequent calibration verification. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on a review of laboratory policy, laboratory test kits, and confirmed in an Statement of Deficiencies (X1) Provider/Supplier/CLIA Identification Number (X3) Date Survey Completed Name of Provider or Supplier Street Address, City, State -- 1 of 10 -- interview, the laboratory failed to perform calibration verification, to include a low medium and high point, to verify the laboratory's reportable range of the tests every six months, for 13 of 14 analytes tested on the Dynex DXS ELISA analyzers from January 2022 to July 2023. The findings included: 1. Review of the laboratory policy titled "General Quality Assessment Policy", section "493.1255 Calibration and calibration verification procedures and 493.1256 Control procedures" had the following statement: "Qualitative tests are run with a series of Standards (Calibrators) and 2 levels of Controls. The Calibrators have established Unit values and are used to calculate results. Depending on the type of test, a one point calibration or standard curve is used." 2. A review of the laboratory test kits had the following analytes, with quantitative results, calibrated with a one point calibration standard every day of use on the Dynex DXS ELISA analyzers: Anti - Jo-1 ssDNA dsDNA Sm RNP/Sm SSA SSB Chromatin Scl-70 Centromere RF IgM RF IgG RF IgA 3. Surveyor queried for the 2022 and 2023 calibration verification documentation along with the policy for the calibration verification procedures, and none was provided. 4. In an interview on 8/29 /2023 at 13:58 hours, in the laboratory, the general supervisor (GS) stated the last calibration verification was performed on 11/23/2021, and that the laboratory did not have a step-by-step policy for calibration verification to include a low medium and high point, to verify the laboratory's reportable range of the tests every six months. Key: ANA - Anti-nuclear antibody ELISA - Enzyme Linked Immunoassay RF- Rheumatoid Factory D5775 COMPARISON OF TEST RESULTS CFR(s): 493.1281(a)(c) (a) If a laboratory performs the same test using different methodologies or instruments, or performs the same test at multiple testing sites, the laboratory must have a system that twice a year evaluates and defines the relationship between test results using the different methodologies, instruments, or testing sites. (c) The laboratory must document all test result comparison activities. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on surveyor observation, laboratory policy, laboratory documents, and confirmed in interview, the laboratory failed to perform twice annual comparison of test results for two of two analyzers performing ANA, RF, and CCP testing in 2022. The findings included: 1. In a tour of the laboratory on 8/28/2023 at 09:10 hours the surveyor noted two identical Dynex DSX ELISA analyzers used in performing ANA, RF, and CCP testing, which testing personnel called "Megan" and "Harry". 2. Review of the laboratory policy titled "General Quality Assessment Policy", section 493.1281 Standard: Comparison of test results" had the following statement: "TEXAS ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATOLOGY SPECIALISTS Laboratory will follow a written policy to assure quality in the results generated by cross-referencing the instruments twice a year." 3. Surveyor queried for the twice-annual comparison between "Harry" and "Megan" for 2022 and 2023. The general supervisor (GS) provided a document titled "Split Sample Log", stating the laboratory used it for the comparison between the two analyzers. The last split sample was documented on 4/18/2022. The surveyor requested the split sample documentation for October 2022 and any performed in 2023; none was provided. The elapsed time from the last documented comparison was 16 months. The surveyor requested a written step-by-step policy for performing the test comparison, as referenced in the "General Quality Assessment Policy" and none was provided. 4. In an interview on 8/29/2023 at 11:34 hours, in the laboratory, the GS confirmed that the twice-annual comparison had not been performed since April -- 2 of 10 -- 2022. Key: ANA - Anti-nuclear antibody ELISA - Enzyme Linked Immunoassay RF- Rheumatoid Factory CCP - Cyclic Citrullinated Peptid 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 laboratory policy, laboratory documents, and confirmed in interview, the laboratory failed to have a quality assessment (QA) mechanism in place to ensure the ongoing monitoring of analytic systems for calibration verification (refer to D5439) and the twice annual test comparison (refer to D5775) for two of two Dynex DSX ELISA analyzers performing testing from January 2022 to July 2023. D6079 LABORATORY DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES CFR(s): 493.1445(a)(b) 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, record and report test results promptly, accurately and proficiently, and for assuring compliance with the applicable regulations. (a) The laboratory director, if qualified, may perform the duties of the technical supervisor, clinical consultant, general supervisor, and testing personnel, or delegate these responsibilities to personnel meeting the qualifications under 493.1447, 493.1453, 493.1459, and 493.1487 respectively. (b) If the laboratory director reapportions performance of his or her responsibilities, he or she remains responsible for ensuring that all duties are properly performed. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on review personnel documents, and confirmed in the interview, the laboratory director failed to ensure annual competency assessment was performed by the technical supervisor (TS) for one of three testing personnel (TP) in 2022. The findings included: 1. A review of the laboratory competency assessments for testing personnel in 2022 did not include an evaluation of competency for testing personnel (TP) 3. 2. In an interview on 8/28/2023 at 09:35 hours, in the laboratory, the General Supervisor (GS) confirmed that the previous technical supervisor failed to include documentation of a competency assessment for TP3. D6108 LABORATORY TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR CFR(s): 493.1447 The laboratory must have a technical supervisor who meets the qualification requirements of 493.1449 of this subpart and provides technical supervision in accordance with 493.1451 of this subpart. This CONDITION is not met as evidenced by: -- 3 of 10 -- Based on a review of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) personnel form 209, personnel records, and confirmed in an interview, the laboratory failed to have a Technical Supervisor (TS) who met the qualifications required in 493.1449 for high complexity testing for immunology. Refer to D6111. D6111 TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR QUALIFICATIONS CFR(s): 493.1449 (a) The technical supervisor must possess a current license issued by the State in which the laboratory is located, if such licensing is required; and (b) The laboratory may perform anatomic and clinical laboratory procedures and tests in all specialties and subspecialties of services except histocompatibility and clinical cytogenetics services provided the individual functioning as the technical supervisor-- (b)(1) Is a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (b)(2) Is certified in both anatomic and clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology or Possesses qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification. (c) If the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section are not met and the laboratory performs tests in the subspecialty of bacteriology, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must-- (c)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (c)(1)(ii) Be certified in clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification; or (c)(2)(i) Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (c)(2)(ii) Have at least one year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of bacteriology; or (c)(3)(i) Have an earned doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science from an accredited institution; and (c)(3)(ii) Have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of bacteriology; or (c)(4)(i) Have earned a master's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and (c)(4)(ii) Have at least 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of bacteriology; or (c)(5)(i) Have earned a bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and (c)(5)(ii) Have at least 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of bacteriology. (d) If the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section are not met and the laboratory performs tests in the subspecialty of mycobacteriology, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must-- (d)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (d)(1)(ii) Be certified in clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification; or (d) (2)(i) Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor or podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the State in which the -- 4 of 10 -- laboratory is located; and (d)(2)(ii) Have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of mycobacteriology; or (d)(3)(i) Have an earned doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science from an accredited institution; and (d)(3)(ii) Have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of mycobacteriology; or (d)(4)(i) Have earned a master's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and (d)(4)(ii) Have at least 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of mycobacteriology; or (d)(5)(i) Have earned a bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical or biological science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and (d)(5)(ii) Have at least 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of mycobacteriology. (e) If the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section are not met and the laboratory performs tests in the subspecialty of mycology, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must-- (e)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (e)(1)(ii) Be certified in clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification; or (e) (2)(i) Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (e)(2)(ii) Have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of mycology; or (e)(3)(i) Have an earned doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science from an accredited institution; and (e)(3)(ii) Have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of mycology; or (e)(4) (i) Have earned a master's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and (e)(4)(ii) Have at least 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of mycology; or (e)(5)(i) Have earned a bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical or biological science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and (e)(5)(ii) Have at least 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of mycology. (f) If the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section are not met and the laboratory performs tests in the subspecialty of parasitology, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must-- (f)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (f)(1)(ii) Be certified in clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification; or (f)(2)(i) Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the -- 5 of 10 -- State in which the laboratory is located; and (f)(2)(ii) Have at least one year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of parasitology; (f)(3)(i) Have an earned doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science from an accredited institution; and (f)(3)(ii) Have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of parasitology; or (f)(4)(i) Have earned a master's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and (f)(4)(ii) Have at least 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of parasitology; or (f)(5)(i) Have earned a bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical or biological science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and (f)(5)(ii) Have at least 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of parasitology. (g) If the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section are not met and the laboratory performs tests in the subspecialty of virology, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must-- (g)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (g)(1)(ii) Be certified in clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification; or (g) (2)(i) Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (g)(2)(ii) Have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of virology; or (g)(3)(i) Have an earned doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science from an accredited institution; and (g)(3)(ii) Have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of virology; or (g)(4)(i) Have earned a master's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and (g)(4)(ii) Have at least 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of virology; or (g)(5)(i) Have earned a bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical or biological science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and (g)(5)(ii) Have at least 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of virology. (h) If the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section are not met and the laboratory performs tests in the specialty of diagnostic immunology, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must- (h)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (h)(1)(ii) Be certified in clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification; or (h)(2)(i) Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the -- 6 of 10 -- State in which the laboratory is located; and (h)(2)(ii) Have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing for the specialty of diagnostic immunology; or (h)(3)(i) Have an earned doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science from an accredited institution; and (h)(3)(ii) Have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of diagnostic immunology; or (h)(4)(i) Have earned a master's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and (h)(4)(ii) Have at least 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing for the specialty of diagnostic immunology; or (h)(5)(i) Have earned a bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical or biological science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and (h)(5)(ii) Have at least 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing for the specialty of diagnostic immunology. (i) If the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section are not met and the laboratory performs tests in the specialty of chemistry, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must-- (i)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (i)(1)(ii) Be certified in clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification; or (i)(2)(i) Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (i)(2)(ii) Have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing for the specialty of chemistry; or (i)(3)(i) Have an earned doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science from an accredited institution; and (i)(3)(ii) Have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of chemistry; or (i) (4)(i) Have earned a master's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and (i)(4)(ii) Have at least 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing for the specialty of chemistry; or (i)(5)(i) Have earned a bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical or biological science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and (i)(5)(ii) Have at least 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing for the specialty of chemistry. (j) If the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section are not met and the laboratory performs tests in the specialty of hematology, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must-- (j)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (j)(1)(ii) Be certified in clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification; or (j)(2)(i) Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (j)(2)(ii) Have at least one year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing for the specialty of hematology (for example, physicians certified either in hematology or hematology and medical oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine); or (j) (3)(i) Have an earned doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science from an accredited institution; and (j)(3)(ii) Have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of hematology; or (j)(4)(i) Have earned a master's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and (j)(4)(ii) Have at least 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing for the specialty of hematology; or (j) -- 7 of 10 -- (5)(i) Have earned a bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical or biological science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and (j)(5)(ii) Have at least 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing for the specialty of hematology. (k)(1) If the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section are not met and the laboratory performs tests in the subspecialty of cytology, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must-- (k)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (k)(1)(ii) Meet one of the following requirements-- (k)(1)(ii)(A) Be certified in anatomic pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification; or (k)(1)(ii) (B) Be certified by the American Society of Cytology to practice cytopathology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification; (l) If the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section are not met and the laboratory performs tests in the subspecialty of histopathology, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must-- (l)(1) Meet one of the following requirements: (l)(1)(i)(A) Be a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (l)(1)(i)(B) Be certified in anatomic pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification; (l)(1)(ii) An individual qualified under 493.1449(b) or paragraph (l)(1) of this section may delegate to an individual who is a resident in a training program leading to certification specified in paragraph (b) or (l)(1)(i)(B) of this section, the responsibility for examination and interpretation of histopathology specimens. (l)(2) For tests in dermatopathology, meet one of the following requirements: (l)(2)(i)(A) Be a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located and-- (l) (2)(i)(B) Meet one of the following requirements: (l)(2)(i)(B)(1) Be certified in anatomic pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification; or (l)(2)(i)(B)(2) Be certified in dermatopathology by the American Board of Dermatology and the American Board of Pathology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification; or (l)(2)(i)(B) (3) Be certified in dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification; or (l)(2)(ii) An individual qualified under 493.1449(b) or paragraph (l)(2)(i) of this section may delegate to an individual who is a resident in a training program leading to certification specified in paragraphs (b) or (l)(2)(i)(B) of this section, the responsibility for examination and interpretation of dermatopathology specimens. (l) (3) For tests in ophthalmic pathology, meet one of the following requirements: (l)(3)(i) (A) Be a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located and-- (l)(3)(i)(B) Must meet one of the following requirements: (l)(3)(i)(B)(1) Be certified in anatomic pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification; or (l)(3)(i)(B)(2) Be certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification and have successfully completed at least 1 year of formal post-residency fellowship training in ophthalmic pathology; or (l)(3)(ii) An individual qualified under 493.1449(b) or paragraph (1)(3)(i) of this section may delegate to an individual who is a resident in a training program leading to certification specified in paragraphs (b) or (1)(3)(i)(B) of this section, the responsibility for examination and interpretation of ophthalmic specimens; or (m) If the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section are not met and -- 8 of 10 -- the laboratory performs tests in the subspecialty of oral pathology, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must meet one of the following requirements: (m)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located and-- (m)(1)(ii) Be certified in anatomic pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification; or (m)(2) Be certified in oral pathology by the American Board of Oral Pathology or possess qualifications for such certification; or (m)(3) An individual qualified under 493.1449(b) or paragraph (m)(1) or (2) of this section may delegate to an individual who is a resident in a training program leading to certification specified in paragraphs (b) or (m)(1) or (2) of this section, the responsibility for examination and interpretation of oral pathology specimens. (n) If the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section are not met and the laboratory performs tests in the specialty of radiobioassay, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must-- (n)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (n)(1)(ii) Be certified in clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification; or (n)(2)(i) Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (n)(2)(ii) Have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing for the specialty of radiobioassay; or (n)(3)(i) Have an earned doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science from an accredited institution; and (n)(3)(ii) Have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of radiobioassay; or (n)(4)(i) Have earned a master's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and (n)(4)(ii) Have at least 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing for the specialty of radiobioassay; or (n)(5)(i) Have earned a bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical or biological science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and (n)(5)(ii) Have at least 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing for the specialty of radiobioassay. (o) If the laboratory performs tests in the specialty of histocompatibility, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must either-- (o)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (o)(1)(ii) Have training or experience that meets one of the following requirements: (o)(1)(ii)(A) Have 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, within the specialty of histocompatibility; or (o)(1)(ii)(B)(1) Have 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in the specialty of general immunology; and (o)(1)(ii)(B)(2) Have 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in the specialty of histocompatibility; or (o)(2)(i) Have an earned doctoral degree in a biological or clinical laboratory science from an accredited institution; and (o)(2)(ii) Have training or experience that meets one of the following requirements: (o) (2)(ii)(A) Have 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, within the specialty of histocompatibility; or (o)(2)(ii)(B)(1) Have 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in the specialty of general immunology; and (o)(2)(ii)(B)(2) Have 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in the specialty of histocompatibility. (p) If the laboratory performs tests in the specialty of clinical cytogenetics, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must-- (p)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the State in which the laboratory is -- 9 of 10 -- located; and (p)(1)(ii) Have 4 years of training or experience, or both, in genetics, 2 of which have been in clinical cytogenetics; or (p)(2)(i) Hold an earned doctoral degree in a biological science, including biochemistry, or clinical laboratory science from an accredited institution; and (p)(2)(ii) Have 4 years of training or experience, or both, in genetics, 2 of which have been in clinical cytogenetics. (q) If the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section are not met and the laboratory performs tests in the specialty of immunohematology, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must-- (q)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (q)(1)(ii) Be certified in clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology or possess qualifications that are equivalent to those required for such certification; or (q)(2)(i) Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (q)(2)(ii) Have at least one year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing for the specialty of immunohematology. Note: The technical supervisor requirements for "laboratory training or experience, or both'' in each specialty or subspecialty may be acquired concurrently in more than one of the specialties or subspecialties of service. For example, an individual, who has a doctoral degree in chemistry and additionally has documentation of 1 year of laboratory experience working concurrently in high complexity testing in the specialties of microbiology and chemistry and 6 months of that work experience included high complexity testing in bacteriology, mycology, and mycobacteriology, would qualify as the technical supervisor for the specialty of chemistry and the subspecialties of bacteriology, mycology, and mycobacteriology. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on a review of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) personnel form 209, personnel records, and confirmed in an interview, the Technical Supervisor (TS) did not meet the qualifications required in 493.1449 for high complexity testing for immunology. The findings included: 1. Review of the CMS 209 personnel form, signed by the laboratory director 8/17/2023, had one person in the position of TS, General Supervisor (GS), and Testing Personnel (TP) 1. 2. Review of personnel records included a delegation of TS duties, by the laboratory director, to the GS. 3. A review of laboratory personnel records did not include the experience necessary for the GS to fulfill the requirements found at 493.1499(h)(5)(ii). 4. In an interview on 8 /28/2023 at 09:30 hours, in the laboratory, the GS confirmed that they did not have the necessary experience in high-complexity immunology testing, to fulfill the requirements found at 493.1499(h)(5)(ii). -- 10 of 10 --

Summary Statement of Deficiencies D2076 GENERAL IMMUNOLOGY CFR(s): 493.837(b) Failure to attain an overall testing event score of at least 80 percent is unsatisfactory performance. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on review of American Proficiency Institute (API) proficiency testing (PT) documentation for 2018 and 2019, confirmed by staff interview, the laboratory failed to attain satisfactory PT performance in General Immunology testing. Findings: 1. In the second API testing event of 2019, scores in rheumatoid factor (RA/RF) testing were as follows: Rheumatoid Factor (IU/mL) Sample Reported Expected Score RF-06 108 112-176 Unacceptable RF-07 2 0-23 Acceptable RF-08 182 142-243 Acceptable RF-09 103 112-187 Unacceptable RF-10 2 0-23 Acceptable 2. Unacceptable results for samples RF-06 and RF-09 resulted in unsatisfactory overall scores of 60% both for the analyte RF and the specialty of General Immunology. In an interview at the site on 11-20-2019, the laboratory technical supervisor (CMS form 209) confirmed the submitted results. Statement of Deficiencies (X1) Provider/Supplier/CLIA Identification Number (X3) Date Survey Completed Name of Provider or Supplier Street Address, City, State -- 1 of 1 --