Joint Commission updates FAQ regarding LIPs, waived tests

The Joint Commission has updated its frequently asked questions and answers with one regarding the competence of independent practitioners to perform waived tests. The posted question asks, “Are competency assessments required for licensed independent practitioners (LIPs) performing waived testing?”

According to The Joint Commission, when an LIP performs waived testing that does not involve an instrument, there is no requirement for documentation of competency when the test is a logical part of the specialty and the organization has privileged the provider to perform the test. Individual practitioners may be privileged, through the medical staff credentialing process, for waived tests appropriate to their scope of practice, and no further assessment of skills or documentation of competence is required, according to the update.

When an LIP performs waived testing that involves an instrument, he or she must demonstrate competence to perform testing, which must be documented after training and prior to performing patient tests, and annually thereafter. Any two of the following four procedures may be used to assess competence:

• Performance of a test on a blind specimen
• Periodic observation of routine work by the supervisor or qualified designee
• Monitoring of each user’s quality control performance
• Use of a written test specific to the test assessed

Source: The Joint Commission