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 Vol. 1, Issue 2. June, 2001
Hello From the President
Summer is upon us and we laboratorians are in the midst of busy schedules. With staff members taking vacations, many of us will find our laboratories short staffed. It is important to remember that even when we are rushed and possibly stretched to our limits that we do not sacrifice "quality." One area of focus for the OIG this year will be quality. They are looking specifically at Proficiency Testing. However, laboratories should be aware that quality is more than proficiency testing; it is the daily quality control and quality assurance that we perform. For the sake of our patients, as well as our professional commitment, be sure to maintain the same high-quality standards throughout the year. Have a safe and happy summer! ??? --Twila
Design a Logo Contest
The "Design a Logo" contest is still ongoing. We will choose a Siouxland Chapter logo at the fall meeting. Guidelines are sent with the May meeting minutes. The contest is open to members, non-members, family members, or anyone interested in this project. The prize for the winning entry is a free one-year membership to CLMA. Submit designs to Twila Henning, 1598 N. Burlington, Worthington, MN 56187, by September 7, 2001.
Web site
Bill Hofer has volunteered to coordinate the Siouxland Chapter Web site project. He is working with Mark Toboll to develop a site that will reflect the message Siouxland CLMA wishes to communicate. When the Web site is complete, our goal is to use it for member and potential member communication. Some of the planned features include posting of meeting minutes and upcoming meetings, a calendar where members can post meetings or find out what is happening in the Chapter, a membership list, and links to other laboratory related sites. To preview the site’s development, log on to www.CLMA-Siouxland.org. If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact Bill Hofer at 605-328-5458 or e-mail: hoferb@siouxvalley.org.
Siouxland CLMA Management Award
Siouxland CLMA will again present the Laboratory Management Award at the Fall meeting. Nomination forms were mailed with the February meeting minutes. This award is given to an individual for their contributions to the forward movement, educational support, business management, and customer relations of the clinical laboratory profession. This is truly a great way for you to honor your laboratory manager, supervisor, a co-worker, or some other laboratory professional that has fostered the laboratory profession in the Siouxland area. Send nominations to Twila Henning by June 15, 2001.
"$25 for 25" Challenge
The $"25 for 25" Challenge is still ongoing. The challenge/campaign is in honor of National CLMA’s 25th anniversary. The campaign is to get every member to donate $1.00 to the CLMA Foundation for each year of the organization. The Foundation money is used for expanding clinical systems management, education, and research. Currently CLMA spends $2.24 for every $1.00 it collects in dues. Some of the past projects of the Foundation include:
- Internet symposia on such topics as laboratory standardization, e-commerce in the laboratory, and advanced financial planning
- Allied Health Professions Conference
- Nutrition study to demonstrate the laboratory’s role in identifying protein calorie malnutrition in hospitalized patients
- Blood draw study
- Staffing survey
For every $25 gift received, Abbott Scientific will match donations up to $25,000. The deadline for matching funds is June 30, 2001. Donations, however, will continue to be accepted after that date. Send donations to: "$25 by 25" Challenge, CLMA, 989 Old Eagle School Rd. Suite 815, Wayne PA 19087.
Spring State Meeting
The joint CLMA-SDSCLS Meeting was held in Aberdeen on May 9–11, 2001, at the Ramkota Convention Center. Excellent speakers and a great exhibit show were key elements to this event’s success. A big "thank you" to all CLMA members that served as part of the committee. A job well done!
Mark Your Calendars - Fall Meeting
September 19-21, 2001, the Fall joint CLMA-SDAHO Meeting will be held at the Convention Center, Sioux Falls, SD. The Committee is currently planning the program. Sessions on HIPAA, Healthcare Law, Employee Retention, and other great topics are on the agenda. The CLMA program coordinator is working with the HIMA, Dietetic, and Finance Management groups to put together some joint presentations. Watch your mail for the information brochure.
New By-Laws
Did you notice the proposed by-law changes in the April 23, 2001, issue of Vantage Point? Members will vote on the proposed changes at the annual meeting, June 27, 2001. If you have any comments, please submit them to the national office or your president Twila Henning.
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