Organization Overview, Mission, Vision, and Values

Our mission is to improve the health of people in the communities we serve through compassionate, high-quality care, prevention, and wellness education. Washington Regional Medical System is a community-owned, locally governed, non-profit health care system located in Northwest Arkansas in the heart of Fayetteville, which is consistently ranked among the Best Places to live in the country. Our 425-bed medical center has been named the #1 hospital in Arkansas for five consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report. We employ 3,400+ team members and serve the region with over 40 clinic locations, the region’s only Level II trauma center, and five Centers of Excellence - the Washington Regional J.B. Hunt Transport Services Neuroscience Institute; Washington Regional Walker Heart Institute; Washington Regional Women and Infants Center; Washington Regional Total Joint Center; and Washington Regional Pat Walker Center for Seniors.

Position Summary

The role of Laboratory Quality Assurance Manager reports to the Directory of Laboratory. This position is responsible for the development and implementation of quality management, safety plans, and ensuring compliance with laboratory regulatory and accreditation guidelines. This position is responsible for collaborating effectively with internal and external clients to support validation of testing processes and data collection, review and analysis related to quality management and performance improvement.

Essential Position Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, implement, and maintain the laboratory quality management, safety and performance improvement plans, reviews proficiency testing results and supports method validation studies
• Create and implement policies, procedures, and documentation related to Quality Management and Safety as required for compliance with regulatory standards
• Ensure accreditation is maintained and remain knowledgeable regarding accreditation guidelines and regulations at the local, state, and federal level
• Perform routine laboratory data reviews and analyze relevant data sources using statistical methods to summarize information into meaningful reports for use in laboratory quality and performance improvement decision-making processes on an ongoing basis
• Collaborate with laboratory leadership team to develop, implement, and provide education and training for staff development
• Assist with the review and corrective action implementation of reported events in Clarity Healthcare Safety Zone as it relates to laboratory quality and safety of employees and patients
• Participate in laboratory regulatory and accreditation agency inspections as needed

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, medical laboratory science or clinical laboratory science, required.
• Licensure and Certifications: ASCP, AMT or equivalent certification, required.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years medical laboratory experience, required. Minimum 2 years previous experience in a leadership role, preferred. Experience in laboratory regulatory compliance, safety, quality and project management and interdepartmental relations, required. Proficient in regulatory compliance and accreditation standards of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), Association for Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB), The Joint Commission (TJC) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), is required.

Work Environment:

This position will spend 70% of time sitting while performing work in a standard office environment and 30% of time standing and/or walking while pushing, pulling, lifting and/or carrying up to 50 lbs.