From CLIA to Competency: Building Knowledge and Tools for Today’s and Tomorrow’s Laboratory Leaders
October 29, 2025
Written by
Laurie Bjerklie
Education Lead
From CLIA to Competency: Building Knowledge and Tools for Today’s and Tomorrow’s Laboratory Leaders
Leadership in the clinical laboratory is about more than managing people and processes—it’s about ensuring compliance, driving quality, and preparing teams for the future. As regulations evolve, new technologies emerge, and staffing challenges continue, laboratory leaders need both knowledge and practical tools to guide their teams effectively.
The upcoming webinar series, “From CLIA to Competency: Raising the Standards of Excellence in Clinical Laboratory Practice,” is designed with this mission in mind. Led by Dr. Saitman, Associate Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University, the series equips both current leaders and those aspiring to leadership with the insights needed to navigate regulatory frameworks, strengthen quality systems, and inspire professional growth.
________________________________________
A Leadership-Focused Learning Path
Each webinar in this series highlights areas where leaders can directly impact laboratory culture, compliance, and staff development—while also connecting these lessons to educational and digital tools that reinforce long-term success.
November 20 – The Framework of Laboratory Regulation
Leaders must understand the foundation of CLIA and the role of accrediting bodies in shaping laboratory operations.
• Leadership takeaway: Knowing how regulations align with accreditation standards empowers leaders to create policies that ensure both compliance and patient safety.
________________________________________
January 22 – Common Deficiencies and How to Avoid Them
Inspections are often a test of leadership preparation, from documentation oversight to staff readiness.
• Leadership takeaway: Leaders who use structured inspection readiness tools and corrective action systems can transform deficiencies into opportunities for growth.
________________________________________
February 19 – Best Practices for Laboratory Policies and Procedures
Policies and procedures are the backbone of laboratory operations.
• Leadership takeaway: Clear documentation, supported by digital control systems, ensures consistency, reduces risk, and reinforces a culture of accountability among staff.
________________________________________
March 19 – The QC Toolkit
Interpreting and acting on QC data requires both technical knowledge and clear decision-making.
• Leadership takeaway: Leaders who model strong QC practices and use digital tracking systems set a standard for analytical reliability and continuous improvement.
________________________________________
April 23 – Lot-to-Lot Verifications and Proficiency Testing
Consistency across reagents and PT performance demonstrates organizational reliability.
• Leadership takeaway: Building verification processes and leveraging analytic tools allows leaders to instill confidence in both internal teams and external assessors.
________________________________________
May 21 – Competency Assessment Challenges and Opportunities
Competency assessment is one of the most important leadership responsibilities.
• Leadership takeaway: By pairing structured competency programs with ongoing education, leaders ensure staff not only meet regulatory requirements but also feel supported in their professional development.
________________________________________
June 18 – Work Smarter, Not Harder: Using AI in the Laboratory
AI and automation will play a growing role in laboratory operations.
• Leadership takeaway: Leaders who explore emerging technologies can prepare their teams for the future, adopting innovations that improve efficiency while safeguarding accuracy and compliance.
________________________________________
Why This Series Matters for Leaders
For laboratory leaders—whether seasoned supervisors or emerging professionals—this series is more than a training opportunity. It’s a framework for:
• Expanding knowledge of regulatory and accreditation landscapes
• Strengthening leadership skills through real-world quality and compliance practices
• Leveraging educational tools such as document management systems, inspection platforms, and competency resources
• Preparing for the future by exploring innovations like AI in laboratory workflows
By combining expert insights with practical applications, these webinars provide a roadmap for leaders to guide their laboratories toward excellence—today and in the years ahead.
Save the dates and join us to expand your leadership toolkit, gain confidence in navigating compliance, and inspire your team to achieve the highest standards of quality and safety.