June 5, 2025—The College of American Pathologists and the Joint Commission have reached an agreement permitting advance notification of laboratory inspections at Joint Commission–accredited hospitals. The CAP requested this change to a cooperative agreement between the CAP and the Joint Commission, which had prohibited advance notification of lab inspections. The Joint Commission informed the CAP on May 30 that the agreement could be amended in alignment with what the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services allows under CLIA.
CAP president Donald S. Karcher, MD, said this step will support smoother inspections, help laboratories stay focused on quality, and ultimately benefit patient care. “Advance notice gives laboratories the time they need to coordinate staffing,” he said, “and ensure a smooth inspection process while maintaining inspection integrity.”
Under the revised agreement, labs may receive advance notification up to 14 calendar days in advance. Exceptions included complaints and follow-up inspections due to previously identified noncompliance, which will remain unannounced.