CPB Certified Professional Biller Certification Practice Exam

The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) primarily regulates?

1. Health insurance claims

2. Clinical laboratory testing and quality control

3. Healthcare provider training programs

4. Patient privacy standards

The correct answer is: Clinical laboratory testing and quality control

The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) primarily regulates clinical laboratory testing and quality control to ensure that labs produce accurate and reliable test results. This includes overseeing the standards and requirements for laboratories performing diagnostic testing on human specimens, such as blood and urine samples. Under CLIA, facilities must meet specific performance standards, obtain proper certification, and participate in quality assurance programs to maintain compliance. By focusing on quality control and laboratory processes, CLIA aims to enhance the safety and effectiveness of healthcare by ensuring that laboratories utilize appropriate testing methods and maintain high operational standards. This is crucial for patient care, as the results of laboratory tests directly impact diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient outcomes. The other options, while relevant to the broader healthcare ecosystem, do not align with the specific focus of CLIA. Health insurance claims relate to the reimbursement process; healthcare provider training programs are regulated differently and focus on education and certification standards; and patient privacy standards fall under the purview of HIPAA, not CLIA. Therefore, the most accurate description of CLIA's regulations is its focus on clinical laboratory testing and quality control.