The laboratory can only perform tests that are ordered by individuals authorized to order tests. If an employee knows that a test has been ordered by someone other then an authorized individual, the employee should report it to their supervisor or the compliance officer (CO).

The laboratory must have a system in place to detect tests that are not performed due to a laboratory error and stop or credit the billing for these tests.

• The laboratory cannot bill for tests that are not performed.
• An employee who is aware that a test has been canceled or has not been performed for some reason must follow the policies and procedures associated with correcting the billing.

Release of test results by phone, fax and other non-routine methods

• Employees should release test results only to the clinical person who is authorized to receive the test results (i.e., the ordering physician).
• Never release test results to another physician or entity unless authorized by the ordering physician in writing.
• Never release the results of a test to a patient unless authorized in writing by the ordering physician.