Competency, Proficiency, Confusion …Oh My !

Competency and proficiency are not interchangeable concepts although they are interrelated. Competency testing is required before staff can perform independent testing according to 42CFR 493.1236 and 42CFR 493.145(b)(8)(9).

For proficiency testing, standard 42CFR493.123 requires the laboratory participate in a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) approved proficiency testing program for available analytes tested in your laboratory.

To keep it simple, competency evaluates the individual’s base line knowledge to perform the task according to procedure and proficiency evaluates the test method comparing results against the same test method performed in another approved laboratory.

Proficiency takes into account processes, procedures, equipment, materials, method and personnel. The misunderstanding comes in when proficiency testing samples are also used for competency evaluation. It is an efficient mechanism to perform both functions but staff need to understand that two different elements are being evaluated.

If there is a failure in the result of the analyte being tested for proficiency, that doesn’t mean the individual performing the test is not competent. Methodology, procedures, instrumentation, quality of sample, clerical error are some of the variables that must be investigated in the failure before assuming staff didn’t perform the test correctly .

So yes, you can use proficiency testing samples to evaluate staff competency but if there is a failure in the result that doesn’t mean the staff is not competent. If you would like help in defining your competency and proficiency programs, contact Quality Source. We are happy to help!