Inspections to enforce the standard began on September 1, l992. Inspections are every two years. If CMS receives complaints or if the testing performed does not reflect the certificate it holds, the facility may be inspected to investigate the problem. If the facility fails an inspection because of major deficiencies, the facility will receive a follow-up inspections to verify that corrections have been made.
Newly regulated labs will be 'treated differently' and will not be sanctioned for deficiencies found during the first inspection, unless they pose immediate jeopardy to patient care. The first inspection is educational. If deficiencies are cited, the facility will have to submit a "corrective action" plan within 14 days of notification.
If the lab requires additional inspections due to sanctions or deficiencies there would be additional fees for these subsequent investigations.
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