Under the supervision of the Director of Laboratory Services, the Quality Assurance Consultant assists the laboratory and its staff members to ensure that all pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical processes are consistent with the hospital’s values and mission.  Provides education and support for the internal inspection process of the laboratory while following the College of American Pathologists (CAP) standards and accreditation requirements. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Functions)

1. *Serve as a resource regarding Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA '88) regulations and CAP accreditation standards
2. Assist in maintaining a defined instrument-to-instrument, method-to-method comparison processes
3. Assist on monthly Quality Assurance (QA) meetings
4. *Support each department's comprehensive Quality Improvement (QI) plan
5. Assist in maintaining and monitoring Quality Assurance specific quality indicators
6. Facilitate the preparation, distribution and review of the QA Manual
7. Assist and ensure enrollment and participation in proficiency testing for each test to include Corrective Action when necessary
8. Support and coordinate efforts that foster quality and ensure that all pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical processes are consistent with our company values and mission
9. Assist in the prompt and complete reporting of Reportable Quality Issues in compliance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
10. Assist in the complete tracking of revised reports in compliance with the SOP
11. Assist in any other duties as assigned by the Laboratory Director

Job Specifics (Minimum Requirements)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrates knowledge of current company policies and procedures (Policy Stat)
• Demonstrates knowledge of current local, state, and federal standards and requirements:  CLIA, Joint Commission, CAP, COLA, ISO, and all other regulatory agencies
• Demonstrates initiative and strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and interdepartmental collaboration
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated strong writing and composition skills
• Understands clinical laboratory operations
• Able to effect Quality Improvement through problem solving skills and knowledge of quality tools
• Able to manage change
• Organizational skills
• Project management skills
• Knowledge of Quality Assurance, statistical Quality Control, and laboratory regulations/accreditation requirements
• Basic theoretical and operational job knowledge in quality assurance and laboratory operations
• Knowledge of organizational/departmental policies and procedures
• Analytical, technical and computer skills

Education

All post high school education must have been obtained from a recognized College or University.  Additional education or experience may be substituted requirements on a year for year basis should the substitution not conflict with State or Board certification/license requirements.

Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science or Related Science is Required

Master's in Business Administration is Preferred

Experience

At least 5 years of experience in Laboratory Quality Assurance is Required

Certifications and Licensures

MT (ASCP) or MLS is Required

Model of Care and Conduct

Methodist Hospitals strives for excellence and insists on high standards of conduct and performance in everything we do. Our Model of Care and Conduct is designed to create a positive work environment which Methodist desires for all employees. This is foundational to the high level of patient, family and physician satisfaction we strive for each day. As part of all position’s duties at Methodist Hospitals, all employees are responsible to conduct themselves in accordance with the Model of Care and Conduct and will be evaluated according to these standards of behavior.