Physicians clamor to claim their labs exempt from CLIA regulation

Article Abstract:

The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) is receiving unexpected results from its efforts to register clinical laboratories under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988. For example, 41.2% of the labs are claiming to perform only simple tests and to be exempt from the agency's oversight. The HCFA had expected only 15% of physician laboratories to qualify for this category. In addition, more than 4,000 physicians have dropped the laboratory component of their practices to avoid regulation, and only 145,000 of an estimated 180,000 laboratories have registered at all.

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Medical groups seek delay in lab rule implementation

Article Abstract:

Medical activists are asking the the President's Council on Competitiveness to delay implementation of the the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988 until difficulties in the law can be resolved. One issue that irks many physicians is unannounced inspections. Physicians are fearful that these visits will anger patients and drive them away. Some solo practitioners have vowed to discontinue their labs altogether since much of the cost of regulation would fall on their shoulders.

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Office labs may be CLIA-free

Article Abstract:

Physicians' office laboratories would be exempted from the 1988 Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), under a bill introduced by House Ways and Means Committee chairman Bill Archer. The American Medical Assn has led efforts to free physician labs from CLIA compliance. Under Archer's bill, Pap smear analyses, which few physician labs perform, would remain subject to the amendments.

Regulation, Licensing, and Inspection of Miscellaneous Commercial Sectors, Medical Laboratories, Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories, Physicians & Surgeons, Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists), Medical Facilities Regulation, Health facilities, Medical law

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