TSANZ and NATA sign MoU for new accreditation program
The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) and the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly administer a new accreditation program, to be known as the TSANZ/NATA Respiratory Function Laboratory Accreditation Program.
The program will offer accreditation to respiratory function laboratories for a range of tests that contribute to better health outcomes and treatments for patients with respiratory and lung health conditions. It will be based on TSANZ’s current standard, which is being reviewed and updated in line with ISO 15189: 2022 Medical laboratories — requirements for quality and competence.
TSANZ will be responsible for the standard and for the provision of technical advice, with NATA responsible for the administration of the program — including using peer review as part of the assessment process. It is expected that the new accreditation program will come into effect by the end of 2024.
“NATA is well known to many of TSANZ’s members as it currently provides a similar service to the Australasian Sleep Association with regards to the Sleep Disorders Services Accreditation,” said Vincent So, CEO of TSANZ. “This is a logical and efficient step to ensure that an organisation that specialises in accreditation can help TSANZ administer its standard.”
NATA CEO Jennifer Evans added, “NATA is delighted to partner with TSANZ on this new accreditation program, which will ultimately benefit Australian and New Zealand patients [to] achieve better outcomes and treatments for their respiratory and lung conditions.
“Accreditation is crucial to ensuring patient safety. Using an accredited facility that competently tests against national and international standards ensures confidence in the results that are being delivered.
“We look forward to developing the new TSANZ/NATA Respiratory Function Laboratory Accreditation Program with TSANZ using the ISO 15189: 2022 national and international standard.”
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