The laboratory is constructed of multiple hierarchical levels of staffing. Each of the required positions is to be filled by qualified personnel. Multiple personnel within the organization may be qualified to serve in a prescribed role such as, General Supervisor. For compliance with CLIA and selected accreditation agency, one individual will be named in the required role. Additional qualified persons will serve in other appropriate roles within the laboratory. For example, individuals qualified to serve in the general supervisor's role may serve in an alternate role within the organization, such as department supervisor or director, e.g. Microbiology Supervisor or Microbiology Director.
Persons who are qualified for managerial roles are also qualified to be testing personnel and will serve in that capacity during the time of employment while awaiting advancement or for an entire career.
Individuals serving in CLIA required roles, may fill multiple roles. For example, the laboratory director often also serves as the Clinical Consultant. The laboratory director may also serve as the Technical Consultant if the required experience is present. Technical Supervisor or General Supervisor may also serve as the Technical Consultant, if qualified.
Individuals who serve as laboratory director, clinical consultant, and technical consultant may be contract employees who are not employed by the institution or corporation owning or managing the laboratory. This is acceptable if the individual is available for consultation when required by the laboratory.
Structure of the organization is often presented in the format of a flow chart. This organizational chart is intended to represent and clarify how the organization coordinates required tasks and roles to achieve not only compliance but also required work tasks. See the example of an organization chart for further clarification.
