David, after reading your post I was not at all surprised to see that you are a
PA. I am assuming that explains your vitriol towards techs that gross. Yes,
CLIA does provide the educational requirements for high complexity testing, but
what on earth makes you think that a tech with the proper CLIA qualifications
can gross without proper training by a pathologist? CAP requires that as well
as extensive documentation of training AND a list of the specimens approved by
the Lab Director that a 'non-pathologist' is allowed to gross. I'm sure you
can tell that I am a Histotech with an Associates Degree and I do the grossing
in my lab. I can assure you that I do a good job and if there is EVER any
question regarding how to gross in a specimen I will get a pathologist. To
make it clear, just because we tech's that gross do not have a masters as a
pathologist assistant, we care just as much about the patients we serve as a PA
does. Another point I would like to make is that very often we gross not by
choice but because it is what our pathologists demand of us and they wouldn't
put us there if we couldn't do the job. Believe me, when I say that I do want
to get my masters as a PA, but I haven't been able to find a program that
accommodates someone who is working full time and can not afford to quit to go
back to school. I am currently finishing up my Bachelors, because I still want
to pursue it.
Joanne Clark, HT
Histology Supervisor
Pathology Consultants of New Mexico
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:32:34 -0700
From: Davide Costanzo <pathloc...@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Qualifications for grossing
To: Glen Dawson <ihcman2...@hotmail.com>
Cc: histonet <histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Message-ID:
<ca+f+rhoy4dypx0mpoq65rrrvldxobv_0acspzbgqrpv8ygv...@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Glen,
Below are the requirements for high complexity testing, as outline by CLIA.
You can reference the CLIA '88 ruling, specifically look at Subpart M, Section
493.1489
The requirements are weak, to say the least. I am not alone in the opinion that
just because CLIA allows it, it is not necessarily appropriate for the minimum
qualified person to be grossing certain specimens. Having someone other than an
M.D., or ASCP certified PA do anything larger than a skin shave is not good
medicine. But, in answer to your question - yes, the government allows
inadequately trained personnel to perform high complexity testing.
Sec. 493.1489 Standard; Testing personnel qualifications.
Each individual performing high complexity testing must--
(a) Possess a current license issued by the State in which the
laboratory is located, if such licensing is required; and
(b) Meet one of the following requirements:
(1) 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 or have earned
a doctoral, master's or bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical,
biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an
accredited institution;
(2)(i) Have earned an associate degree in a laboratory science, or
medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution or--
(ii) Have education and training equivalent to that specified in
paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section that includes--
(A) At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited
institution that, at a minimum, include either--
(1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or
(2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include--
(i) Six semester hours of chemistry;
(ii) Six semester hours of biology; and
(iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical
laboratory technology in any combination; and
(B) Have laboratory training that includes either of the following:
(1) Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or
accredited by the ABHES, the CAHEA, or other organization approved by
HHS. (This training may be included in the 60 semester hours listed in
paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(A) of this section.)
(2) At least 3 months documented laboratory training in each
specialty in which the individual performs high complexity testing.
(3) Have previously qualified or could have qualified as a
technologist under Sec. 493.1491 on or before February 28, 1992
On Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 1:19 PM, Glen Dawson <ihcman2...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> All,
>
> Can a histotech perform GROSSING if he/she has an associate's degree
> in Histotechnology from an accredited institution (Argosy in MN)?
>
> Any help would be appreciated.
>
> Thank-you,
>
> Glen Dawson BS, HT(ASCP) & QIHC
> Histology Technical Specialist
> Mercy Health System
> Janesville, WI
> _______________________________________________
> Histonet mailing list
> Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
>
--
*David Costanzo, MHS, PA (ASCP)*
Project Manager
*Blufrog Path Lab Solutions*
9401 Wilshire Blvd. Ste 650
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
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