Job Description

Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc. (DLS) is Hawaii’s largest locally owned and operated medical testing laboratory. DLS is considered a leader in the Hawaii, Guam and Saipan communities we serve. As an integral part of the patient care team, DLS uses state of the art testing and value-based informatics to promote optimal patient care and positively impact patient outcomes.

SCHEDULE

• Regular Part-Time 

• Must be flexible with work schedule to meet operational needs

• Must be available from Monday through Friday 

JOB SUMMARY

Serves as laboratory director, as defined by CLIA, 42 CFR, Part 493. Directs the technical and scientific operation including clinical and anatomic pathology including diagnosis of diseases by pathological examination and the proper performance of all tests. Provides technical oversight of qualified laboratory personnel. Ensures compliance with applicable laboratory regulations and standards. Provides consultation regarding the appropriateness of the testing ordered, interpretation of test results, and recommends appropriate follow-up testing when indicated. May serve as Clinical Consultant and/or Technical Consultant/Supervisor to meet CLIA requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Directs the technical and scientific operation of clinical and anatomic pathology laboratories and the proper performance of all tests. (40%) *:

1. Directs the selection and supervision of test procedures, reporting of results, and continuous application of quality control procedures. Actively participates in operations to such extent as may be necessary to ensure compliance with applicable laboratory regulations and standards.
2. Ensures that testing systems developed and used for each of the tests performed in the laboratory provide quality laboratory services for all aspects of test performance, which includes the pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic phases of testing.
3. Ensures that the test methodologies selected have the capability of providing the quality of results required for patient care and across the care continuum.
4. Ensures verification procedures used are adequate to determine the accuracy, precision, and other pertinent performance characteristics of the method.
5. Ensures that reports of test results include pertinent information required for interpretation.
6. Advises laboratory technical personnel regarding aberrant results.
7. Evaluates clinical laboratory data and directs processes for review of test results (e.g. auto- verification, critical values) prior to issuance of patient reports.
8. May delegate some responsibilities to others, but there must be documentation of which individuals are authorized to act on their behalf for specific activities.
1. Ensures proficiency testing program enrollment and participation as approved by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
2. Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions, using techniques including, but not limited to, gross pathology, histology, cytology, clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology.
3. Prepares comprehensive anatomic pathology reports summarizing analyses, results and conclusions for referring physicians or other medical professionals.
4. Performs autopsies and prepares comprehensive reports summarizing findings.
5. Oversees blood bank to ensure that blood products are correctly managed and safe for administration.

 Provides technical oversight of qualified laboratory personnel. (15%) *

1. Ensures sufficient personnel with adequate documented training and experience to meet the needs of the laboratory.
2. Ensures that prior to testing patients’ specimens, all personnel have the appropriate education and experience, receive the appropriate training for the type and complexity of the services offered, and have demonstrated that they can perform all testing operations reliably to provide and report accurate results.
3. Ensures that policies and procedures are established for monitoring individuals who conduct pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing to assure that they are competent and maintain their competency to process specimens, perform test procedures and report test results promptly and proficiently, and whenever necessary, identify needs for remedial training or continuing education to improve skills.
4. Implements advances in testing procedures and makes recommendations for new equipment.

Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of the quality control, quality assurance and quality improvement programs. (20%) *

1. Ensures that quality control and quality assurance programs are established and maintained to assure the quality of laboratory services provided, and to identify failures in quality as they occur.
2. Ensures alignment of the laboratory’s quality improvement program with others in the facility in those laboratories where laboratory medicine and direct patient care are integrated.

 Ensures that consultation is available to the laboratory and laboratory’s clients on matters relating to the quality of the test results reported and their interpretation concerning specific patient conditions. (15%) *

1. Takes professional calls and assures coverage is provided when not available.

1. Must be accessible to the laboratories to provide onsite, telephone or electronic consultation as needed.
2. Communicates pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians.
3. Consults with physicians about ordering and interpreting tests or providing treatments.
4. Recommends courses of treatment or additional diagnostic testing.

Meets with clients and other stakeholders as requested, or needed. (10%) *

1. Participates, as requested, in contracting issues with clients.
2. Meets regularly with clients. Assures clients’ needs are met and appropriate utilization is defined.
3. May meet with hospital and medical staff as needed to coordinate laboratory services.

JOB EXPECTATIONS

1. Selects referral laboratories, in consultation with the institutional medical staff or physician clients (where appropriate).
2. Monitors standards of performance, quality control and quality improvement, including tests referred to outside laboratories.
3. Provides education programs, planning, research and development appropriate to the needs of the laboratory and institution.
4. Ensures that an approved procedure manual is available to all personnel responsible for any aspect of the testing process.
5. Assures that laboratory resources meet client and patient needs while reducing global cost of care and enhancing patient satisfaction and function.
6. Assists with operations management to reduce unit cost, measuring both financial and quality outcomes, when requested.
7. Participates in continuing development and implementation of an enhanced laboratory information system that meets patient care needs.
8. Meets responsibility requirements of accrediting/regulatory agencies, including but not limited to:
   • Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA)
   • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
1. Maintains compliance with legal and institutional requirements at all times.
10. Completes continuing education courses to maintain medical licenses, certifications and malpractice coverage renewal.
11. Participates in service rotations including cytology, frozen sections, early and late shifts, subspecialty services, weekly on-call schedule, etc.
50. Stays up to date with developments in the fields of pathology and medical practice.

1000. Maintains personal competence and positive community relations.

1001. Ensures working environment is appropriated for testing performed, provides maximum safety and health and encourages safety awareness among employees.
1002. Maintains attendance as scheduled/assigned, consistent with DLS policies and procedures.
1003. Identifies and analyzes problems; makes decisions and takes appropriate action(s).
1004. Assists internal and external customers with questions, concerns, problems, etc.
1005. Develops, promotes and maintains a positive work climate and effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
1006. Models the behaviors consistent with the mission, vision and shared values of the organization.
1007. Attends required department meetings, training and conferences.
1008. Participates in and supports the College of American Pathologist (CAP) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) with Centers of Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) related activities to ensure regulatory compliance are met.
1. May serve as Clinical Consultant, Technical Consultant/Supervisor to meet CLIA requirements. Refer to Laboratory Personnel and Licensure Requirements policy (QI-11- PER-01) for performance assessment and regulatory responsibilities.

JOB DEMANDS

Communication Demands:

• • Communicates effectively with employees, vendors and clients.
  • Represents the company on the professional level and in community projects as requested by DLS.
  • Maintains confidentiality in the handling of company information and records.

Typical Physical Demands:

• • Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.
  • Requires sitting up to two (2) hours continuously.
  • Requires standing up to three (3) hours intermittently.
  • Requires working under pressure and handling multiple assignments.

Typical Working Conditions:

• • Possible exposure to communicable diseases or bodily fluids; toxic substances and other conditions common to a hospital/laboratory environment. Potential for inadvertent skin, eye mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials possible.
  • Works in an air-conditioned area.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Required:

• • Doctor of Medicine degree from an accredited university with completion of a residency in Pathology.

Experience:

Preferred:

• • One (1) year experience as a Clinical Laboratory Director.
  • Anatomic surgical pathology experience.
  • Experience in the areas of teaching and research.

Certification:

Required:

• • Board certified in anatomic and clinical pathology by American Board of Pathology or equivalent.

Skills:

Required:

• • Ability to communicate effectively in English, both in verbal and written form.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to manage time and other resources effectively.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

Equal Opportunity Employer/AA/Disability/Vet