The accuracy and safety of patient testing depend on the capability and honesty of clinical laboratory personnel.
If an individual's ability to perform testing is influenced by illness, injury, drug use (legal and illegal), or alcohol use, they may no longer practice. The Board can order a doctor's exam to determine if illness, injury, drugs, or alcohol is a factor. The individual can get their license back after recovery and prove that the condition is no longer a problem.
If an individual commits a crime in any state related to honesty (such as filing false reports or advertising false services), that individual's Florida license may be suspended.
Licensed personnel are required to report an individual to the Board if they know that they are practicing despite being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, being physically or mentally incapable, being incompetent to perform their duties, or having been convicted of a lab-related crime.
The following are violations of Board rules:
- Continuing to practice after becoming unable to perform testing due to illness safely, use of alcohol or drugs, or another mental or physical condition.
- Continuing to practice after being judged mentally or physically incapable.
- Being convicted of any crime relating to activities of clinical laboratory science or involving dishonesty or lack of morals.
- Failing to report to the Board that one has been convicted of a crime (as listed above), been judged mentally or physically incapable, or had a license revoked in another state.
- Knowingly allowing an unqualified person to perform clinical laboratory duties.
