Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 17, § 1060 - Definitions: Cytotechnologist License

(a) The definitions in subsections (b) though (i) shall govern the interpretation of this article.

(b) "Competency testing service or program" means an organization that has been approved by the Department pursuant to section 1270 of the California Business and Professions Code to administer a cytotechnology competency examination.

(c) "Cytotechnologist competency examination" means an examination which evaluates a person's entry level skills and abilities in cytotechnology, including his or her understanding of:

(1) the underlying scientific principles, technical and procedural aspects of cytotechnology;

(2) the identification of cellular changes in gynecological and non-gynecological specimens through both a written and visual component;

(3) cytopreparatory techniques; and

(4) cytology laboratory operations; and which include the following subject areas in the following ratios: 48% to 52% female reproductive system (to include both the genital system and breast); 13% to 17% respiratory system; 9% to 12% male and female genitourinary systems; 6% to 10% alimentary system; and 13% to 17% body cavity fluids and other body sites.

(d) "Entry Level Skills" means the following skills and abilities expected at career entry:

(1) Knowledge and understanding of:

(A) the underlying scientific principles as well as the technical and procedural aspects of the examination of cytology specimens;

(B) the physiological, biochemical, microbiological, and genetic factors which affect cell health and disease, and the importance of cytology laboratory examinations to medical care;

(C) quality assurance sufficient to monitor and to implement quality control programs;

(D) the introduction and implementation of new procedures and the evaluation of new instruments;

(E) basic management theory and functions.

(2) Technical skills so that the examinee is capable of:

(A) performing examinations on cytology specimens;

(B) exercising initiative and independent judgment in dealing with the broad scope of procedural and technical problems;

(C) participating in, or being delegated, the responsibility for decisions involving quality control programs, or reagent purchases;

(D) communicating technical or general information to medical, paramedical, or lay individuals;

(E) participating in and developing responsibility for the establishment of technical and administrative procedures;

(F) supervising technicians, aides, and clerical personnel, as directed; and,

(G) providing instruction in the basic theory, technical skills, and application of cytology laboratory procedures.

(e) "Examinee" means an individual who meets the following requirements:

(1) Has a baccalaureate degree from a college or university accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or its equivalent with 20 semester hours (30 quarter hours) of biological science, 8 semester hours (12 quarter hours) of chemistry and 3 semester hours (4 quarter hours) of mathematics; and

(2) Has completed:

(A) A 12-month cytotechnology program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Program (CAAHEP) or its equivalent; or

(B) Five years, of at least 40 hours a week, clinical laboratory experience in cytopreparatory techniques, microscopic analysis and evaluation of the body systems within the last ten years. At least two of these years must be subsequent to the completion of the academic component and at least two years must be under the supervision of a licensed physician who is a pathologist certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology or has other qualifications acceptable to the competency testing service or program.

(f) "Evidence of Satisfactory Performance" means

(1) a copy of a document issued to an examinee after January 1, 1993 by a cytotechnology competency testing service or program indicating satisfactory performance by the examinee on a cytotechnologist competency examination; or

(2) a copy of a document issued to an individual by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Board of Registry (BOR) indicating satisfactory performance by the individual on an ASCP Cytotechnology Examination taken prior to the approval of a competency testing service or program under the provisions of this article.

(g) "Satisfactory performance" means

(1) receipt of a passing score on a cytotechnologist competency examination given after January 1, 1993; or

(2) passage of an ASCP Cytotechnology Examination prior to the approval of a competency testing service or program under the provisions of this article.

(h) "Passing score" means a score determined by a cytotechnologist competency testing service or program utilizing the criteria approved by the Department pursuant to section 1062.

(i) "Owner(s)" means any person who is a sole proprietor, or holds a partnership interest in, or who is an officer, director, or 5% (five percent) or more shareholder in a corporation which owns an organization that is applying for approval as a cytotechnologist testing service or program.

Notes

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 17, § 1060

1. New article 7 and section filed 11-18-93 as an emergency; operative 11-18-93 (Register 93, No. 47). A Certificate of Compliance must be transmitted to OAL by 3-18-94 or emergency language will be repealed by operation of law on the following day.
2. Certificate of Compliance as to 11-18-93 order transmitted with amendment of subsections (e)(2)(A) and (f) to OAL 3-18-94 and filed 4-29-94 (Register 94, No. 17).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 1224 and 1270, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 1270, Business and Professions Code.

1. New article 7 and section filed 11-18-93 as an emergency; operative 11-18-93 (Register 93, No. 47). A Certificate of Compliance must be transmitted to OAL by 3-18-94 or emergency language will be repealed by operation of law on the following day.
2. Certificate of Compliance as to 11-18-93 order transmitted with amendment of subsections (e)(2)(A) and (f) to OAL 3-18-94 and filed 4-29-94 (Register 94, No. 17).