Elijah Cummings: “today I am introducing the Clinical Laboratory Compliance Improvement Act of 2005, legislation to improve accuracy and…”

“today I am introducing the Clinical Laboratory Compliance Improvement Act of 2005, legislation to improve accuracy and reliability in medical testing and provide protection for employees who report laboratory problems to their superiors or regulatory entities. Medical laboratory testing is a fundamental pillar of our Nation's health care system. Virtually every American undergoes testing in the course of receiving medical care and relies on the accuracy of laboratory tests to receive appropriate medical care and treatment. Incorrect test results in the worst case can contribute to a misdiagnosis that leads to inappropriate care and possible adverse health consequences for the patient. In the best case, incorrect or invalid results can lead to undue stress and inconvenience. Inaccurate testing for communicable diseases can pose a serious threat to the public health. In May and July of 2004, the House Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources of the Committee on Government Reform held hearings to investigate lab deficiencies that led to the release of hundreds of invalid test results by the Maryland General Hospital located in my district in Baltimore City.”