What type of training must pharmacists receive in relation to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) waiver?

Pharmacists are required to receive quality assurance and infection control training in relation to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) waiver. This type of training ensures that pharmacists understand how to maintain the quality of laboratory tests, which is essential for providing accurate and reliable results. Quality assurance involves implementing processes that monitor and improve the quality of services in health care, critical in a clinical laboratory setting. Additionally, knowledge about infection control is crucial for pharmacists, especially when overseeing testing that may involve biological specimens.

This training is vital for pharmacists who are engaged in providing point-of-care testing, as it equips them with the skills necessary to handle specimens properly, maintain testing environments, and ensure compliance with the standards set forth by the CLIA. Proper training in these areas helps minimize risks associated with laboratory testing, both for the patients and for the pharmacy practice as a whole.