Beverly Rauch, MS

Beverly oversees the Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (CLEP) which seeks to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results in clinical laboratories located in or accepting specimens from New York State (NYS) through on-site inspections, proficiency testing and evaluation of the qualifications of personnel of state permit-holding clinical laboratories and blood banks. The proper performance of diagnostic laboratory tests is a matter of vital concern, affecting the public health, safety and welfare of all NYS residents. Clinical laboratories and blood banks provide essential public health services in aiding the medical practitioner by furnishing information invaluable in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Substandard performance of such tests may and has contributed to erroneous diagnoses and/or the selection of inappropriate treatment protocols.

On an annual basis, CLEP currently issues permits to approximately 1,200 clinical laboratories, and approximately 900 patient service centers in NYS. In addition, CLEP certifies, on a biennial basis, approximately 3,600 certificates of qualification to individuals who serve as directors/assistant directors of these clinical laboratories and blood banks. CLEP also registers approximately 12,000 limited service laboratories, locations that perform one or more waived tests and/or provider-performed microscopy procedures.  Waived tests include test systems cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for home use and those simple tests that have a low risk for erroneous test result that are approved for waiver under criteria from CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments).

The excellence of the center's Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program has been acknowledged by CMS through their granting of exempt status from the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 for laboratories located in and holding NYS clinical laboratory permits.

Beverly also serves as Deputy Director of the Division of Laboratory Quality Control which is comprised of the following programs:

• Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program
• Environmental Laboratory Approval Program
• Physician Office Laboratory Evaluation Program
• Breath & Blood Alcohol Testing
• Blood Resources Program
• Tissue Resources Program
• Regulated Medical Waste Program
• Laboratory Investigations Unit