Quality Assurance and Legal Issues in Healthcare

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to quality assurance and legal issues in healthcare from chapter two of the phlebotomy essentials textbook.

Quality Assurance (QA)

A continuous process aimed at ensuring excellence in patient care through activities and programs.

Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)

A system for improving quality by continuously monitoring and analyzing processes.

Joint Commission (TJC)

An independent nonprofit organization that establishes healthcare standards and accredits organizations.

Gold Seal of Approval

Received by healthcare organizations accredited by the Joint Commission post evaluation.

Pre-analytical processes

Steps taken to collect samples before testing, crucial for minimizing errors.

Post-analytical processes

Actions and procedures after testing that affect the final results.

Point of Care Testing

Tests conducted at or near the site of patient care, rather than in a centralized lab.

Survey Analysis for Evaluating Risk (SAFER)

A tool used by the Joint Commission to help healthcare organizations assess risk and compliance.

Evidence of Standards Compliance (ESCs)

Requirement to show compliance within 60 days after a survey that notes deficiencies.

National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs)

Goals established by the Joint Commission to enhance patient safety.

Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI)

Infection acquired by a patient while receiving care in a healthcare facility.

CLIA 1988

Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments that regulate laboratory testing standards.

Certificate of Waiver (COW)

Certification for labs that only perform simple tests with a low risk of error.

Moderate Complexity Testing

Testing requiring routine inspections, requiring a higher level of technical expertise.

Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs)

Recommendations for quality assurance in laboratories performing waived tests.

College of American Pathologists (CAP)

An organization that provides standards for laboratory operations, ensuring quality care.

Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)

An organization developing guidelines and standards for laboratories.

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NACLS)

An agency overseeing quality standards for educational programs in clinical laboratories.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

An organization providing international standards for ensuring product quality.

Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

A method for identifying potential problems and their possible outcomes.

Lean

A methodology aimed at improving efficiency by eliminating waste.

Six Sigma

A data-driven methodology focused on reducing errors in processes.

Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

Techniques used to investigate problems and identify underlying causes.

Quality Indicators

Metrics used to monitor the effectiveness of quality assurance processes.

Threshold Value

A predetermined level of acceptable practice beyond which further evaluation occurs.

Corrective Action/Preventative Action (CAPA)

Process established to address identified problems and prevent recurrence.

Analytical error

Mistakes occurring during the testing phase that can affect results.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, ensuring patient confidentiality.

Patient identification

The process of confirming a patient's identity, critical for accurate specimen collection.

Sentinel Event

An unexpected occurrence resulting in death or serious harm, requiring investigation.

Performance Improvement (PI)

Techniques used to review processes and implement changes to enhance quality.

Compliance standards

Regulations and guidelines that healthcare organizations must follow to ensure quality care.

Patient safety

Protecting patients from errors and harm during the course of care.

Accreditation

A formal recognition that a healthcare organization meets specific standards.

Competency assessment

Evaluation of staff skills to ensure compliance with testing and procedures.

Valid test results

Accurate and reliable results obtained from correctly performed laboratory testing.

Specimen handling guidelines

Protocols for the proper collection, transport, and processing of samples.

Phlebotomy essentials

Fundamental knowledge and practices necessary for drawing blood for testing.

Patient preparation

Instructions provided to patients before tests that may affect the outcome.

Infection control

Practices to prevent the spread of infectious agents in healthcare settings.