§ 570. Declaration of policy and statement of purpose. The proper
performance of clinical laboratory and blood banking services is a
matter of vital concern, affecting the public health, safety and
welfare. Clinical laboratories and blood banks provide essential public
health services in aiding the health care provider by furnishing
information invaluable to the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The
improper performance of a laboratory procedure may induce an erroneous
diagnosis or contribute to the selection of an inappropriate method of
treatment, resulting in prolonged or unnecessary hospitalization, injury
or even death. The protection of the people of this state requires
affirmative action to insure that the performance of clinical laboratory
and blood banking services meet high standards of public health care.

It is the purpose of this title to promote the public health, safety
and welfare by requiring the licensure of clinical laboratories and
blood banks, by establishing minimum qualifications for directors, and
by requiring that the performance of all procedures employed by clinical
laboratories and blood banks meet minimum standards accepted and
approved by the department.