CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments)

The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program oversees laboratories that test human specimens for diagnostic purposes. These include hospital laboratories, stand-alone diagnostic labs, and doctors' offices.

• Laboratory Quick Start Guide for CLIA Certification
• DHHS Press Release: Initiative for More and Faster COVID-19 Testing in Nursing Homes
• CMS Laboratory Demographics Lookup
• CLIA Certification and COVID-19 Testing Memo
• Frequently Asked Questions about the CLIA Program
• CLIA Facility Status Types for Long-Term Care Facilities Memo

Contact: Please send all SCDPH CLIA Program questions to SC_CLIA@dph.sc.gov. 

• CLIA SOM Chapter 6 Reference (pdf)
• Appendix C Survey Procedures for the Application of Conditions for Coverage for Independent Laboratories - Interpretive Guidelines 42 CFR 493, Subpart A-H, J, K Part 1, K Part 2, M & Q (pdf)
• Appendix Q Guidelines for Determining Immediate and Serious Threat to Patient Health and Safety