ATS Pulmonary Function Laboratory Manual

ATS Pulmonary Function Laboratory Management & Procedure Manual | 3rd Edition

Effective Date: 2014 Version #1

Chapter 2

Procedure Name : Personnel

Purpose or Principle The purpose of this procedure is to ensure appropriate personnel practices. Although personnel issues are typi- cally within the domain of the hospital human resource department, there are several areas for which the Ameri- canThoracic Society (ATS) and European Respiratory Society (ERS) have recommendations and/or suggestions, including: qualifications, training, orientation, and competency assessment (1). Their recommendations are directed toward ensuring quality testing in a patient-safe environment by setting guidelines for medical and laboratory staff, including specific job descriptions and competency assessment criteria. Personnel Qualifications 1. Medical Director 1.1. Each pulmonary function (PF) laboratory must have a medical director responsible for the activities and functions of the laboratory (2, 3). Table 2.1 Medical Director’s responsibilities: 1. Supervising the technical staff 2. Overseeing the publishing and review of a procedure manual 3. Determining the specific tests offered 4. Ensuring a safe working and testing environment 5. Ensuring that interpreters of test results are properly qualified 6. Developing and monitoring a system for communicating test results to referring physicians and medical record 7. Assuring the equipment is properly maintained and upgraded 8. Developing appropriate resources for education of staff 9. Assuring a quality control program is in place and functioning

1.2. Board certified or appropriately qualified in pulmonary medicine with acceptable training and experience in PF laboratory management.

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