Surveys 1 and 2

and Prevention (CDC) to establish a data collection network of medical laboratories and survey them for information on the practice of laboratory medicine in hospitals, clinics, and independent laboratories. In meetings held with CDC personnel after the awarding of the grant, it was explained that a major goal of the project was to obtain non-anecdotal data on the operations and quality practices in medical laboratories. Data are needed to support further refinement of the regulations adopted under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA). Three other states are also conducting similar programs. The state of Washington was the first state to receive funding for this program, and has been conducting this research since 1996. The Arkansas Department of Health was selected for funding because of the network of county health units that are integrated into the state health agency and a significant rural, medically underserved population. The first survey was sent out in January, 2000 to 805 hospitals, clinics, and laboratories holding CLIA certificates in Arkansas, and the 94 Arkansas Department of Health Local Health Units (LHUs). A second Survey was sent out in April to a revised list of facilities including all laboratories accredited by the COLA, CAP, and JCAHO programs, as well as clinics and hospitals identified i