Accreditation

The laboratory located within the SHC is accredited by COLA.

COLA

COLA is a non-profit, physician-directed organization promoting quality and excellence in medicine and patient care through programs of voluntary education, achievement, and accreditation.

Founded in 1988, COLA is sponsored by the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, the American Medical Association, the American Osteopathic Association, and the College of American Pathologists.

COLA was established as a private alternative for physician office laboratories complying with the then-new Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA). In 1993, the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) granted COLA "deeming authority" under CLIA. In July 1997, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations also recognized COLA's laboratory accreditation program, so that laboratories who are accredited by COLA are recognized by the Joint Commission as meeting its standards. Throughout the years, COLA expanded its product line to include other on-site survey services, including medical and facility reviews, HEDIS reviews, ambulatory medical record reviews, and behavioral health reviews.