Document: Independent Practice
Classification: Statement of Philosophy
Date: March 2001
It is the position of ASCLS that clinical laboratory testing is the defined practice of qualified clinical laboratory personnel and includes the performance, supervision, direction and interpretation of laboratory testing.
As professionals, clinical laboratory scientists have the requisite knowledge and skills to educate laboratory professionals; perform, correlate and interpret laboratory tests; supervise and direct clinical laboratories and collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients by implementing initial and reflex testing protocols within prescribed guidelines. It should be noted that current state laws, Medicare/Medicaid and CLIA regulations permit Clinical Laboratory Scientists, with appropriate graduate education, to direct full service laboratories in the United States.
Clinical Laboratory Science is a profession which practices independently as well as collaboratively with other health care professionals. Artificial and arbitrary barriers to this practice should not be erected. The profession is distinct from the practice of medicine, has its own Body of Knowledge, certifies its own practitioners and requires continued competency assessment in the science, technology and management of clinical laboratories.
The current economic and regulatory healthcare environment benefits from expanded roles for non-physician allied health professionals in order to provide quality, cost-effective assessment, diagnosis, treatment and information for healthcare consumers.