RE: [Histonet] salary for lab assistants
After reviewing the CAP checklist as it relates to grossing of specimens
(see below), I don't think I would assume that the CAP is not referring to
what CLIA considers "High Complexity Testing". CLIA is very clear about
educational and training requirements needed to perform high complexity
testing. Granted the CAP has caused a lot of confusion by using the term
"dissected by individuals other than pathologist" instead of the term
"tissue examination" as CLIA has used, but that may be viewed as splitting
hairs. I have assumed that the CLIA and CAP requirements are the same and
like Janice, have cited labs I have inspected for not having qualified
personnel performing this function. Charles, do you have a source for the
government requirements for tissue examination and billing? I would really
like to have that documentation for my files.
I have asked the CAP to respond to this question via e-mail and will share
their response with the list as soon as it is received.
Tammy Barnhart, BS, HTL(ASCP)
Anatomic Pathology Supervisor
St. Alexius Medical Center
Bismarck, ND
**NEW** 04/28/2005
ANP.11610 Phase II N/A YES NO
If specimens are dissected by individuals other than a pathologist or
pathology resident, do such individuals qualify as high complexity testing
personnel under CLIA-88 regulations?
NOTE: The laboratory director may delegate the dissection of specimens to
non-pathologist individuals; these individuals must be qualified as high
complexity testing personnel under CLIA-88 regulations. The minimum
training/experience required of such personnel is:
1. An earned associate degree in a laboratory science or medical
laboratory technology, obtained from an accredited institution, OR
2. Education/training equivalent to the above that includes at least 60
semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution. This education
must include 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, OR
24 semester hours of science courses that includes 6 semester hours of
chemistry, 6 semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry,
biology or medical laboratory technology in any combination. In addition,
the individual must have laboratory training including either completion of
a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES,
the CAHEA, or other organization approved by HHS (note that this training
may be included in the 60 semester hours listed above), OR at least 3 months
documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual
performs high complexity testing.
In addition, the CLIA-88 regulations include exceptions for grandfathered
individuals; these regulations (42CFR493.1489 and 1491) may be found at
http://www.phppo.cdc.gov/clia/regs/subpart_m.aspx#493.1487
This checklist question applies only to laboratories subject to CLIA-88.
COMMENTARY:
N/A
REFERENCE: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services. Clinical laboratory improvement amendments of 1988; final
rule. Fed Register. 2003(Oct 1):1070-1071 [42CFR493.1489], 1071-1072
[42CFR493.1491].
ANP.11620 Phase II N/A YES NO
Are the types of specimens examined and the extent of the examination
performed by a non pathologist clearly defined in a documented policy or
protocol?
COMMENTARY:
N/A
REFERENCES: 1) Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services. Clinical laboratory improvement amendments of 1988;
final rule. Fed Register. 1992(Feb 28):7183 [42CFR493.1489(b)(6)]; 2)
Cibull ML. Q&A. Northfield, IL: College of American Pathologists CAP Today.
1997;11(7):112; 3) Grzybicki DM, et al. National practice characteristics
and utilization of pathologists' assistants. Arch Pathol Lab Med.
2001;125:905-912.
-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]On Behalf Of
Charles.Embrey
Sent: Monday, June 26, 2006 9:33 AM
To: Janice Mahoney; Pathrm35@adelphia.net; pamm@hlclab.com;
histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; rjbuesa@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: [Histonet] salary for lab assistants
First off, CAP doesn't exactly follow CLIA. CLIA is more stringent and what
you describe is definitely considered grossing and "high complexity
testing". CAP, on the other hand, is drawing a distinction between grossing
(anything that must be cut in) and non-grossing (taking measurements and
putting biopsies in a cassette with no cutting involved). Technically you
can meet CAP standards while being in violation of CLIA regulations. If the
lab does any billing with the government, (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare) then
you had better be meeting CLIA '88. Personally I thing CAP is so wrong for
clouding the water on this one.
Charles Embrey, PA(ASCP)
-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Janice
Mahoney
Sent: Monday, June 26, 2006 8:24 AM
To: Pathrm35@adelphia.net; pamm@hlclab.com;
histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; rjbuesa@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: [Histonet] salary for lab assistants
I completely agree. Weighing and measuring is grossing and the person who
does so must qualify under CLIA (CAP follows CLIA). Many institutions are
still allowing this grossing to be performed HT's and assistants who do not
qualify. I have been performing CAP inspections for many years and have
cited labs for this. I did my homework and have documentation from CLIA to
substantiate the fact that "measuring, counting and weighing" is indeed
grossing.
Jan M.
Omaha
>>> "Ron Martin" 06/25/2006 11:21 AM >>>
Should this lab assistant be "cassetting" at all? This sounds like a
grossing tech to me and should fall under CLIA regs for high complex testing
with the appropriate education/training. If this person isn't qualified
should he/she be performing these duties at all?
Ron Martin
-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Rene J Buesa
Sent: Sunday, June 25, 2006 9:38 AM
To: Pam Mara; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] salary for lab assistants
Pam:
For your description your assistant works as a histotech although she may
or may not have "academic qualifications".
You have to consider also that initially histotechs were trained "on the
job" and later on were "grandfathered" at licensure time (perhaps this is
one of the reasons why historically histotechs are in lower echelon of
clinical lab salary scale, but that is another subject to talk about!).
I do not think that you should ask about lab aides paymen rates when your
aide is performing tasks above those of that job position.
As a lab supervisor/manager it should be part of your mission that of
assuring that the employees you supervise are treated fairly.
Having said all that I think that you should get for her a salary that
reflects her tasks, not those usually corresponding for a job level.
It is my opinion that she shoudl be paid, at least, at the histotech entry
level.
Hope this will help you!
René J.
Pam Mara wrote:
I have a question. We have a lab assistant here who does the "cassetting"
of
tissue specimens. She isn't a PA and she doesn't really gross in any large
specimens. We mainly have GI specimens and biopsies, which she
weighs/measures and puts into cassettes. She also helps with staining,
coverslipping, etc.
I was just wondering what is a reasonable salary for someone who performs
these tasks? Does anyone else work with a lab assistant that performs
similar tasks?
Thanks for the info,
Pam Mara
-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of
histonet-request@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Sent: Saturday, June 24, 2006 9:52 AM
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Histonet Digest, Vol 31, Issue 36
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