ColLABorate 2025

Review of the states that have licensure of laboratory degreed staff.  What requirements other states have for licensure. Roundtable discussion on the pros / cons of licensure in Iowa.
Learning Objectives:

1. Which states require licensure in order to work as degreed laboratory personnel.
2. Standardization of credentials within the laboratory community
3. Benefits / risks of a pathway to licensure

Laboratory professionals have a choice to make: either be active and effective participants in the legislative and regulatory process, or potentially end up as an afterthought as enormous change occurs in the federal government. For maximum effectiveness, laboratory professionals need sharply defined understanding of the issues and the legislative and regulatory processes as well as clear-eyed perspectives on the consequences of inaction.

This presentation will provide a briefing on the current advocacy environment in Washington and how it will impact our community's issues like laboratory reimbursement, regulation of laboratory developed tests, and the laboratory workforce. 

An inside look at how government really works will be discussed as well as what is required to be effective “labvocates.”
Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss significant federal legislative and regulatory issues affecting or that may affect clinical laboratories and medical laboratory professionals, including workforce, reimbursement and testing regulation.
2. Recognize how the dynamics of the current political environment and the approaching mid-term elections will influence those issues.
3. Use the knowledge of issues and institutional structures to develop the most effective advocacy approach.

On 12/28/2024 the updated CLIA personnel regulations took effect.  This presentation will address the new CLIA personnel regulations and interpretive guidelines.  We will explain the new pathways to qualify as Laboratory Director, Technical Consultant, Technical Supervisor, General Supervisor and Testing Personnel.  Additionally, we will discuss the added responsibility of onsite visits for the Laboratory Director and have time for questions.
Learning Objectives:

1. summarize the educational qualifications for CLIA personnel.
2. define the Laboratory Director's responsibilities regarding onsite visits.
3. ask questions and receive answers to the CLIA regulations.

Artificial Intelligence is now the most trendy topic in technology. What even /is/ AI and how could it be utilized in the lab? What safety and ethical concerns arise from its use? Who truly benefits and how?
Learning Objectives:

1. Clearly differentiate the distinctions between an algorithm and artificial intelligence
2. Define and deconstruct the meaning of "AI learning model"
3. Evaluate an AI technical solution for both accuracy and appropriateness

Communication with co-workers and staff seems like an easy thing to accomplish. However do your words mean what you actually want people to understand? I will share insight into differing communication styles, how to ensure you are clearly realying information and making your team as effective as possible.
Learning Objectives:

1. Differentiate when to utilize multiple communication tools to ensure clear messaging. 
2. Judging what communication style a person may have and matching it to appropriate communication tools.
3. Recognizing bias that may be unintentional in decisions and communications.