Clinical laboratory personnel must be licensed and competent to perform their duties. This means holding the appropriate type of license for the task being performed (director, supervisor, technologist, or technician) and being certified in the appropriate specialty for any testing being performed. For example, an individual licensed as a technician in hematology may not perform the duties of a technologist in hematology, nor may that individual perform testing in the microbiology specialty.

Showing a lack of competence to perform even licensed duties is a violation of Board rules. Consistent errors can tarnish a laboratory's reputation, and even a single error can harm patient care. Licensed personnel must be certain that they can perform their duties accurately and competently.

All of the following are violations of Board rules:

• Performing clinical duties for which one does not hold a license.
• Performing services one knows one is not competent to perform.
• Showing lack of competence or making consistent errors in testing or reporting.
• Having a license revoked or suspended in another state.