Clinical Chemistry Director

Strategic and Operational Planning

Oversee the development of clinical chemistry strategic plan consistent with that of the organization. Participate in interdisciplinary teams to assess overall systems integration issues. Assist the System Administrative Director and Supervisor(s) in developing and continually assessing an annual operating budget and long-term capital expenditure plan.

Planning and Program Development

• Expand the knowledge base into other disciplines as new implications impact the specialty.
• Provide direct leadership in the development of laboratory policies and procedures that support and ensure compliance with all applicable service, hospital and center policies and procedures.
• Encourage the participation of personnel in shaping the laboratory's vision and values.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.
• Participate in the preparation and follow-up for on-site inspections/surveys by accrediting and regulatory agencies.
• Have knowledge of feedback systems for laboratory performance.
• Act on concerns to improve/change laboratory service.
• Use aggregate laboratory data to evaluate possibilities for improving laboratory practice.
• Successfully negotiate contract terms for instrumentation used throughout the laboratory.
• Determine when a test can and should be automated or eliminated or a new technology implemented.
• Prepare and present the business plan to ensure implementation of cost-effective changes.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Ensure that processes for identifying and correcting sentinel events are in place.
• Direct the clinical chemistry proficiency testing program to ensure the following:
  • The laboratory is enrolled in a PT program for the testing performed,
  • Testing of proficiency samples is performed the same as for patient specimens,
  • Results are returned within the timeframes established by the program,
  • Result reports are reviewed to evaluate laboratory performance,
  • The approved corrective action plan is followed when results are found to be unacceptable or unsatisfactory.
• Establish verification and documentation procedures to determine the accuracy, precision, and other pertinent performance characteristics of testing methods.
• Ensure that all necessary remedial actions are taken and documented whenever significant deviations from the laboratory's established performance specifications are identified, and that patient test results are reported only when the system is functioning properly.

Educational Leadership

• Develops leaders at every level who help fulfill the laboratory's mission, vision, and values.
• Serves as a mentor in technical and administrative procedures for the supervisor(s).
• Actively participate in the educational programs for the laboratory, service, and organization by providing in-services and/or lectures for team members, students, and residents.
• Encourage team members development at all levels.
• Maintain qualifications in clinical chemistry.
• Actively pursue current trends in new technology through attendance and participation at national and local professional meetings, networking with peers, and other forms of continuing education.

Hospital-wide Leadership

• Readily available to provide consultation and interpretation of chemistry data for health care providers.
• Counsel and advise physicians/providers regarding test ordering patterns.
• Assists clinicians in the interpretation of abnormal results.
• Offers explanations for variances and assists in the selection of appropriate follow-up testing to confirm abnormal results when needed.
• Serve as a member of various hospital committees, including but not limited to the clinical laboratory utilization committee.
• Serve as a resource in the resolution of healthcare system-wide issues.
• Maintain a productive working relationship with other affiliate hospitals, laboratory departments, laboratory and center administrations, other areas/departments of the Medical Center and the medical community to accomplish goals.

Patient Safety

• Plan, design and/or adapt information management system(s) in conjunction with LIS/IS, optimizing the system(s) to meet internal and external needs, including the following: confidentiality, privacy, security, accessibility, and resolution of complaints.
• Immediately address and assess any issues and/or complaints regarding patient safety.
• In conjunction with the System Administrative Director, Quality Manager, and Supervisor(s), complete a thorough investigation which results in a corrective action plan to address the concern.
• Collect and analyze data relating to microbiology and molecular patient results.
• Notify hospital and laboratory leadership if any non-conformances are identified.
• Ensure that all testing is done according to hospital policies and procedures, including proper patient identification.