In order to substantively address issues connected with CLIA Regulations, two audio conferences were produced featuring Rhonda Whalen, MS, MT(ASCP) with the CDC, Barbara Caro, MBA, MT(ASCP), a laboratory administrator, and Marilyn Sims, MT(ASCP) from Joint Commission Resources, Inc.

1. “CLIA Changes and Challenges: Impact on Accredited Clinical Laboratories.” Held in July 2004, this program highlighted the most significant changes of CLIA and addressed the impact these changes may have on standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), and the College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation programs.
   
   A pretest was administered to the participants prior to the program, and was followed by a post test 6-8 weeks later. Review of the pretest and post test results indicate improvement in knowledge and understanding of the content presented.
2. “Identification of Microorganisms in Cytology Specimens: Applicable CLIA Requirements.” Co-presented by CDC and ASCP in February 2006, this program included: E. Blair Holladay, PhD, CT(ASCP), Vice President, Executive Director of the Board of Registry and Nancy L. Anderson, MMSc, MT(ASCP), Senior Health Scientist with the CDC.
   
   This important program was designed to help participants comprehend CLIA requirements applicable to molecular amplification testing to detect and identify microorganisms in liquid based cytology specimens, assess the adequacy of current PT module enrollment, and list those microorganisms with public health reporting requirements that are currently identifiable via molecular testing of liquid based cytology specimens.
   
   A pretest was administered to the participants prior to the program, and was followed by post testing. Review of the pretest and post test results indicate that the training had the desired effect of increasing knowledge of applicable CLIA regulations.