What was the primary purpose of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) passed in 1988?

The primary purpose of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) passed in 1988 was to establish quality standards for laboratory testing. CLIA was designed to ensure that laboratory testing performed on patients' specimens is accurate, reliable, and timely, which is critical for patient safety and effective healthcare delivery. The legislation sets forth regulations for testing performed in various laboratory settings, including those in hospitals, private practices, and other healthcare facilities.

By establishing these quality standards, CLIA aims to ensure that laboratories have the necessary personnel, equipment, facilities, and quality control processes in place to produce valid test results that can be trusted by healthcare providers and patients. This focus on quality is essential in preventing harm that could arise from inaccurate laboratory testing, which in turn supports better patient outcomes and overall public health.

The other options mention different aspects of laboratory management, such as cost regulation, licensing of professionals, and promotion of diagnostic technologies, but these do not encapsulate the core aim of CLIA, which is fundamentally about the quality and reliability of testing and laboratory processes.