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Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA); Virtual Access, Gynecologic Cytology Proficiency Testing (PT), Personnel Qualifications, and Other Changes

Proposed rule · Federal Register document 2026-20613

Published
10/08/2026
Comments due
12/07/2026
39 days left
Pages
51

Summary

Proposed rule.

This proposed rule would amend the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) regulations to allow for virtual access under the CLIA certificate of the primary testing laboratory that generated the data, with the exception of the subspecialty of cytology, and the use of digital images for gynecologic cytology proficiency testing. This proposed rule also includes proposed changes to personnel qualification requirements and other proposed changes pertaining to SARS-CoV-2 reporting requirements, certificate requirements, test reporting requirements, enforcement requirements, public consultation requirements, and editorial and technical updates. These proposed updates aim to strengthen the Federal oversight of clinical laboratories and ensure accurate and reliable patient test results while adapting to modern technological capabilities and industry needs, including workforce shortages.

Read the official textPDF on GovInfoHow to comment

Details

Type
Proposed rule
Docket
CMS-3478-P
Regulation ID (RIN)
0938-AV89
CFR parts
42 CFR 493
Topics
Administrative practice and procedure, Grant programs-health, Health facilities, Laboratories, Medicaid, Medicare, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements

This page summarizes a Federal Register document. Only the official Federal Register text has legal effect. Comment deadlines can be extended or reopened by a later notice.

Source: Office of the Federal Register, via the Federal Register API · Last updated 10/08/2026