Staff Training and Competency in Accredited Healthcare Facilities

Staff training and competency assessment are cornerstones of both NABL and NABH accreditation. People are the most critical resource in any healthcare facility — and their competence directly determines quality of care.

Under ISO 15189:2022, all personnel who influence laboratory results must have their competency formally assessed. Under NABH, all clinical and administrative staff must have documented training records. This is one of the most thoroughly checked areas during assessments.

Components of a Competency Assessment System

1. Job descriptions: Clearly define required qualifications and competencies for each role
2. Orientation training: Document orientation for all new joiners
3. Initial competency assessment: Evaluate competency before independent work begins
4. Annual competency reassessment: Yearly evaluation for all testing/clinical staff
5. Competency assessment methods: Direct observation, blind sample testing, Q&A, case review

Mandatory Training Topics for NABL Labs

• Quality Management System awareness
• Biosafety and infection control
• Equipment operation and maintenance
• IQC and EQA procedures
• Sample collection and handling
• Patient identification and safety

Mandatory Training Topics for NABH Hospitals

• Patient safety and international patient safety goals
• Fire safety and emergency response
• Infection control and hand hygiene
• Medication safety
• Complaint handling and patient rights
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for clinical staff