Director of Laboratory Services - North Shore Medical CenterPosition SummaryThe Director of Laboratory Services is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, financial performance, and clinical support of the hospital laboratory. This position oversees all laboratory operations, including Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Blood Bank/Transfusion Services, Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Diagnostics, Anatomic Pathology support services, and Point-of-Care Testing programs.
The Director ensures that laboratory services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and accrediting agency requirements while supporting the hospital's mission, patient care objectives, and organizational goals.
Reporting RelationshipReports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Clinical Officer, or Chief Executive Officer
Direct Reports:
- Laboratory Managers
- Laboratory Supervisors
- Technical Specialists
- Quality Coordinator
- Phlebotomy Leadership
- Administrative Support Staff
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership- Direct and oversee daily laboratory operations across all laboratory departments.
- Ensure timely, accurate, and cost-effective testing services.
- Monitor laboratory productivity, workflow, staffing, and turnaround times.
- Develop and implement departmental goals and strategic initiatives.
- Collaborate with physicians, nursing leadership, and hospital departments to improve patient care outcomes.
- Lead laboratory service expansions, technology upgrades, and process improvement initiatives.
Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation- Ensure compliance with CLIA, CAP, Joint Commission, OSHA, CMS, HIPAA, and applicable state regulations.
- Maintain laboratory readiness for inspections, surveys, and audits.
- Develop and enforce laboratory policies, procedures, and quality management systems.
- Implement corrective actions for regulatory deficiencies and quality concerns.
Quality Management- Establish and monitor quality assurance and quality control programs.
- Analyze quality indicators and key performance metrics.
- Lead investigations related to laboratory errors, incidents, and patient safety events.
- Promote continuous quality improvement initiatives throughout laboratory operations.
Financial Management- Develop and manage the laboratory operating and capital budgets.
- Monitor departmental expenses, labor costs, productivity metrics, and revenue performance.
- Identify opportunities for cost containment and operational efficiencies.
- Participate in contract negotiations and vendor management activities.
Personnel Management- Recruit, hire, train, develop, and retain laboratory personnel.
- Conduct performance evaluations and competency assessments.
- Ensure adequate staffing schedules and succession planning.
- Foster employee engagement, accountability, and professional development.
Clinical and Technical Oversight- Collaborate with Medical Directors and Pathologists regarding laboratory practices and services.
- Evaluate and implement new testing methodologies and technologies.
- Ensure proper validation and verification of laboratory instruments and testing procedures.
- Maintain adherence to evidence-based laboratory practices.
Point-of-Care Testing Oversight- Oversee the organization's Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) program.
- Monitor compliance with testing standards and competency requirements.
- Partner with nursing and clinical departments to ensure effective POCT management.
Strategic Planning- Participate in hospital strategic planning initiatives.
- Support organizational growth and service line development.
- Evaluate emerging laboratory technologies and industry trends.
- Develop long-term operational plans aligned with organizational objectives.
QualificationsEducationRequired:
- Bachelor's Degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related field.
Preferred:
- Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, Clinical Laboratory Science, or related healthcare discipline.
ExperienceRequired:
- Minimum 7-10 years of progressive clinical laboratory experience.
- Minimum 5 years of laboratory leadership or management experience.
Preferred:
- Prior director-level experience in an acute-care hospital.
- Multi-department laboratory management experience.
- Experience managing laboratory accreditation surveys and regulatory inspections.
CertificationsRequired:
- ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) certification or equivalent laboratory credential.
Preferred:
- MLS(ASCP)
- DLM(ASCP)
- Lean Six Sigma Certification
- Certified Laboratory Manager designation
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Comprehensive knowledge of clinical laboratory operations.
- Strong understanding of CLIA, CAP, Joint Commission, OSHA, CMS, and HIPAA requirements.
- Financial management and budgeting expertise.
- Strong leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Strategic planning and project management abilities.
- Experience with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR).
- Data analysis and performance improvement experience.
Physical Requirements- Ability to move throughout laboratory and hospital environments.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- Visual and manual dexterity sufficient to review reports, operate computer systems, and inspect laboratory operations.
Performance Indicators- Laboratory turnaround times
- Patient safety and quality metrics
- Regulatory compliance outcomes
- Employee engagement and retention
- Budget performance
- Customer satisfaction scores
- Accreditation survey results
- Productivity and efficiency measures
