Contracting for Referral Lab Services

To establish guidelines to be followed before entering into a Contract for referral Laboratory Services.

Before entering into a Contract for Laboratory Services, the following guides will be followed.

1. Establish that the laboratory is licensed under the Clinical Laboratories Improvement Act (CLIA) of 1967.  All laboratories engaging in Interstate Commerce must be licensed under this Act.
2. If the laboratory is not licensed under CLIA 1967, establish that it is licensed by the state in which it operates.

Individuals having responsibility for the issuance of contracts for laboratory services will familiarize themselves with the regulations as outlined in CLIA and by the state involved.

This circular supersedes IHS Circular 70-5, dated December 28, 1970.