The Framework of Laboratory Regulation: Understanding CLIA and the Accreditation Landscape
November 20, 2025
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1 PM ET
Continuing Education
P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours
Speakers
Dr. Alec Saitman, PhD, C(ASCP), DABCC (CC, TC)
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Part 1 of our webinar series, From CLIA to Competency: Raising the Standards of Excellence in Clinical Laboratory Practice, will explore the history and purpose of CLIA, examine how federal regulations differ from accreditation standards, and highlight how accrediting bodies such as CAP, TJC, and COLA interpret and enforce requirements. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the vital role regulations and accreditation play in ensuring patient safety, quality assurance, and compliance.
Objectives:
· Describe the origins and purpose of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and how the law has shaped modern laboratory regulation.
· Differentiate between federal CLIA regulations and accreditation standards from agencies such as CAP, TJC, and COLA.
· Compare how accrediting bodies interpret and enforce CLIA requirements, including similarities and unique emphases.
· Recognize the importance of laboratory regulations and accreditation in maintaining patient safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
Dr. Alec Saitman completed PhD training in total synthetic organic chemistry at the University of California, San Diego. He then went on to complete fellowship training in Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology in the Department of Pathology at the University of California, San Diego. He is board-certified by the American Board of Clinical Chemistry (ABCC) in Clinical Chemistry and Toxicological Chemistry.
Dr. Saitman is currently an Associate Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU) and serves as the director of chemistry and toxicology. His research focuses on the development of small molecule quantitation assays using mass spectrometry. His areas of interest include laboratory stewardship and laboratory informatics. He is particularly interested in establishing efficient production workflows to meet the growing testing demands in his laboratory.