What does the Clinical Laboratories Improvement Amendment (CLIA) establish?

The Clinical Laboratories Improvement Amendment (CLIA) is essential legislation that establishes standards for laboratory testing in the United States. Its primary purpose is to ensure the quality and reliability of laboratory tests, which are critical for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. CLIA sets specific requirements for laboratory practices, including personnel qualifications, equipment, quality control, and proficiency testing. The aim is to minimize errors in laboratory results and increase the overall reliability of patient testing.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different aspects of healthcare that are not the focus of CLIA. Patient documentation, healthcare records, and medication administration protocols are essential components of patient care but fall outside the scope of laboratory testing standards as outlined by CLIA. Thus, the correct answer highlights the emphasis on the regulation and standardization of laboratory testing to ensure safe and effective patient care.