- (1) The REH shall have basic laboratory services essential to the immediate diagnosis and treatment of the patient, consistent with nationally recognized standards of care for emergency services. Laboratory services shall be governed by the Board's Rules for Hospitals, Chapter 420-5-7, Ala. Admin. Code. Specialized laboratory studies which are required as medically necessary at the time that the patient presents to the REH, but not available in the laboratory facilities on site, shall be sent to another licensed hospital or other appropriate, certified laboratory for processing. The REH shall have policies and procedures for this arrangement which include review and communication of results to the appropriate individual.
- (2) The REH's laboratory shall maintain a current federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) number and certificate.
- (3) Emergency laboratory services must be available 24 hours a day.
Author: Dana H. Billingsley
Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§22-21-20, et seq.
History: New Rule: Published August 31, 2023; effective October 15, 2023.