Coordinator Laboratory Quality Assurance

Coordinator Laboratory Quality Assurance

Develops and implements comprehensive departmental and regional laboratory quality assurance (QA) plans for Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Region laboratories. Works with technical and clinical staff to establish attainable and measurable regional standards for laboratory quality of service.

Establishes and implements short and long-term quality assurance goals and objectives consistent with strategic and business plans of department, Medical Center, and Clinics.

Identifies and prioritizes QA issues. Works with Pathologist Director and Supervisor of each section to evaluate issues. Initiates and participates in cross-functional teams to proactively evaluates and continually improves QA systems. Investigates and resolves laboratory problems at all levels. Assists in development and implementation of appropriate corrective action plans.

Partners with technical supervisors to perform regular inspections of all laboratory locations within Region to monitor compliance with regulatory requirements, QA systems, testing procedures, personnel and physical plant and equipment.

Coordinates QA activity with Laboratory Safety, Disaster, LIS, and Education staff.

Maintains laboratory QA system to remain in compliance with current regulations and legislation. Monitors trends and guides lab personnel in formulating appropriate action plans and responses to these issues.

Coordinates and directs use of quality assurance and lab activity monitor modules available within Laboratory Information System. Develops data reporting mechanisms and presents in effective manner. Develops programs to utilize other QA tools for continuous quality improvement.

Maintains complete records of all laboratory QA activity Region. Presents oral and written QA reports to Lab Management Group, Hospital and Clinic Patient Care QA subcommittees. Coordinates with other Quality Assurance personnel in region to ensure proper and timely cross functional transfer of information.

Coordinates and supports department preparation for inspections by outside accrediting and/or regulatory agencies including CLIA, CAP, AABB, FDA and JCAHO.

Manages external Proficiency Testing programs for department. Determines required elements. Assists with design and implementation of corrective action when indicated. Manages documentation of PT activity for all laboratories.

Promotes and integrates TQM tools and techniques consistent with mission of Hawaii Region.

Acts as regional lab representative. Provides information to regional project teams integrating interests of lab with those of other departments.

Works with staff at all locations to cultivate progressive work environment. Ensures efficient operations and quality service. Actively facilitates technical excellence and customer service focus by visiting sites often to maintain continuity of this process.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum five (5) years of experience as medical technologist.

Education:

• Bachelors degree in medical technology from an accredited school, OR four (4) years of experience in a directly related field.
• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.

License, Certification, Registration:

• Medical Technologist Certificate from American Society for Clinical Pathology
• Medical Technologist License (Hawaii)

Additional Requirements:

• Demonstrated knowledge of clinical lab operations.
• Familiarity of concepts of laboratory quality assurance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in word processing, spreadsheet, and database PC applications.
• Knowledge of Kaiser Permanente lab operations.