CAP Accreditation Inspection Updates

Communication Date: May 5, 2023

NOTE: The information below was current at the time of communication. Subsequent CAP changes, if applicable, are not reflected in this eAlert.

With the U.S. COVID public health emergency (PHE) expiring on May 11, 2023, the CAP is transitioning its inspection date notification process for laboratories located in the U.S. and Canada.

All CAP-accredited laboratories affiliated with an institution accredited by The Joint Commission will be notified one hour prior to inspection, per the CAP’s current collaborative agreement with The Joint Commission. All other CAP-accredited laboratories subject to CLIA regulations will be notified two weeks prior to their scheduled inspections.

Note: if your laboratory has already been notified of its inspection date, there will be no anticipated change to that date.

International Laboratories and Laboratories in the FDT, BAP, and RLAP Programs

For international laboratories as well as any facilities accredited through the CAP’s Forensic Drug Testing, Biorepository, and Reproductive Laboratory Accreditation Programs, the inspection date notification process will not change; these laboratories and facilities will continue with their current inspection date notification process after the U.S. PHE expiration.

Initial Inspections for New Laboratories

Laboratories undergoing their first inspection with a CAP Accreditation Program (who are not joining a group that is already accredited by CAP), will receive confirmation of the inspection date once it is scheduled.

Patient Care Areas

As of May 12, 2023, CAP accreditation inspectors can resume visits to facility patient care areas. If a facility is allowing visitors in patient care areas during the time of an accreditation inspection, inspectors should also be allowed in those areas.

However, if a facility is restricting visitors within the institution for any reason, the CAP recommends that inspectors comply with the facility’s visitor policies at the time of the inspection. If inspectors are not allowed in patient care areas, they should alternatively interview relevant staff to address the necessary checklist items.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the CAP at 800-323-4040 or accred@cap.org.