What does "CLIA" stand for in the context of pharmacy?

The correct answer, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, refers to a set of federal regulations established to ensure the quality and accuracy of laboratory testing. In the pharmacy context, understanding CLIA is essential because it governs the standards for laboratory testing that can impact patient care and the practice of pharmacy, especially when pharmacists engage in point-of-care testing or other laboratory services. These amendments require laboratories to obtain certification, adhere to quality control measures, and maintain proper testing practices to ensure that diagnostic results are reliable and valid. This is crucial in a pharmacy setting, where pharmacists may be involved in screening and monitoring patient health through laboratory tests.