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Individualized Quality Control Plan (IQCP)

Guidance for the Individualized Quality Control Plan (IQCP).

Final

Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Issue Date: December 09, 2019

The "Individualized Quality Control Plan” (IQCP) is the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Quality Control (QC) procedure for an alternate QC option allowed by 42CFR493.1250.  The guidance and concepts for IQCP are a formal representation and compilation of many things laboratories already do to ensure quality test results.  IQCP permits the laboratory to customize its QC plan according to test method and use, environment, and personnel competency while providing for equivalent quality testing.

The IQCP procedure is located in the guidance for §493.1256(d) found in the State Operations Manual, Appendix C - Survey Procedures and Interpretive Guidelines for Laboratories and Laboratory Services (PDF).  Refer to the downloads and the related links sections below for the State Operations Manual and additional educational information.

Any questions about IQCP should be forwarded to LabExcellence@cms.hhs.gov.

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DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.