SCOPE OF CARE:

• HT(s) (as appropriate and within scope of practice/ privileging) shall be responsible for performing routine and complex histological procedures, preparing technically adequate slides of tissue sections by processing tissue blocks; embedding, cutting, staining, and cover slipping, performing needle biopsies, frozen section procedure, and assisting with autopsy procedures.
• Receiving, and accessioning specimens from various locations including, but not limited to, surgery, outpatient clinics, and emergency department. Processing tissue into paraffin blocks, cutting staining and cover slipping slides, delivering slides to the pathologist for diagnosis.
• Assist with autopsy procedures including preparing the body for dissecting, making the initial cavity incision, dissecting and removing tissue, weighing and recording tissue weights and sizes and preserving tissue for microscopic exam, obtaining specimens for microbiologic cultures, closing the incision and preparing the body for delivery to the mortuary.
• Maintain the histology laboratory in an orderly fashion, filing blocks and slides in accordance established protocols.

2.1.1. License: Personnel must have a current Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist license, proof of current license must be provided prior to in-processing, and at the licensure renewal date. All continuing education courses required for maintaining license must be kept up to date. Documentation verifying current certification shall be provided to the COR on an annual basis for each year of contract performance or upon request.
 
2.1.2. Technical Proficiency: HT(s) shall be technically proficient in the skills necessary to fulfill the government’s requirements, including the ability to speak, understand, read, and write English fluently.
Personnel shall be responsible for abiding by the VA Facility's Medical Staff ByLaws, rules, and regulations (referenced herein) that govern medical staff behavior.
 
2.1.3. Training (BLS, ACLS, CPRS, and VA MANDATORY): All contractor HT(s) with access to any personal health information (PHI) records (electronic or paper) will be required to complete VA Information Security, VHA Privacy Policy, and Rules of Behavior Training prior to their first scheduled day. This training must also be completed annually.
 
Within 30 calendar days of reporting, personnel must complete additional training as required by VHA, including but not limited to patient safety, body mechanics, Compliance and Business Integrity, Infection Control, VA Core Values, Environment of Care, Sexual Harassment/No Fear, ICARE Values. This training must be completed annually. The COR will be responsible for ensuring and documenting that this requirement is satisfied.
 
2.1.4. Standard Personnel Testing (PPD, etc.): HT(s) shall provide proof of the following tests for technicians within five calendar days after contract award and prior to the first duty shift to the COR and CO. Tests shall be current within the past year.
 
2.1.4.1. TUBERCULOSIS TESTING: Provide proof of a negative reaction to PPD testing for all Contractor HT(s). A negative chest radiographic report for active tuberculosis shall be provided in cases of positive PPD results. The PPD test shall be repeated annually.
 
2.1.4.2. RUBELLA TESTING: Provide proof of immunization for all HT(s) for measles, mumps, rubella, or a rubella titer of 1.8 or greater. If the titer is less than 1.8, a rubella immunization shall be administered with follow-up documentation to the COR.
 
2.1.4.3. OSHA REGULATION CONCERNING OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BLOODBORNE
PATHOGENS: Must provide generic self-study training for all HT(s); provide their own Hepatitis B vaccination series at no cost to the VA if they elect to receive it; maintain an exposure determination and control plan; maintain required records; and ensure that proper follow-up evaluation is provided following an exposure incident. The VAMC shall notify of any significant communicable disease exposures as appropriate. 
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