Recent Change to NAACLS Standards
By: Edward Rotchford, Accreditation Specialist/Volunteer Services Manager
At its September 2014 meeting, after reviewing over 100 public comments, the NAACLS Board of Directors approved a change to Standard I.D.1.g, requiring HT programs to culminate in either an associate degree or higher, or a certificate for students who hold or complete the required degree (see below). Remaining consistent with similar changes in the past (notably in 2001 with MLT programs), NAACLS accredited HT programs will have until their next accreditation review to show proof of compliance with this standard. If an accredited HT certificate-based program has an accreditation review coming soon and needs more time to work to be in compliance with this Standard, the program is encouraged to contact NAACLS staff in order to discuss review scheduling and extension options.
The Board of Directors also viewed public comments related to a proposed change to Phlebotomy Unique Standard VII.A.1.b, and it was decided that a clarification would be added to the NAACLS Standards Compliance Guide to include the ASCP-BOC as a recognized phlebotomy certification agency for the certification qualification for program directors, leaving the current Standard language intact.
Please contact NAACLS if you have any questions on these changes!
Approved Change to Standard I.D.1.g:
I. Sponsorship
D. Responsibilities of the Sponsor
1. The sponsor has primary responsibility for:
g. ensuring that graduates of the program have obtained or will obtain the minimum degree and/or certificate upon completion of the program:
MLT and HT programs: an associate degree or higher, or a certificate for students who hold or complete the required degree