American Accreditation An Assessors Prospective

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American AccreditationAn Assessors Prospective
I'm an Assessor, I'm here to help J

• Greg Gogates
• Fasor Inc.
• gdg_at_fasor.com

A copy of this presentation is available
from ftp//ftp.fasor.com/accts/g/gdg/usa_accredit
ation.ppt
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Preface to Perspective

• Statements are made from the other side of the
  pond.
• Things may not be too different.
• The more you know, the more you know you dont
  know!

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Vision of the American Assessor

• Assessors are subcontractors of the accreditation
  bodies.
• Assessors are autonomous in their interactions
  with the laboratory.
• Impartiality is paramount
• Conflict of interest is unacceptable
• Sharing of knowledge is desirable.

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American Assessor Bio

• Traditionally early retirees
• Median age is becoming younger
• New US tax laws allow unlimited retiree work
• Opinionated
• Non-committal
• Wrinkled
• Eyes like a codfish
• Polite in contact

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Typical Pre Assessment

• Accreditor officer assigns assessor(s) who is
  acceptable to the laboratory.
• Assessor is given assessment package with
  completed checklist.
• Lab sends assessor(s) QA Manual(s) for review and
  comment.
• Assessor Lab agree to dates.

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Typical Assessment

• Opening Meeting
• Assessment
• Daily wrap-up (optional)
• Closing Meeting
• Issue Deficiency Report
• Issue Assessment Report

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Post Assessment

• Lab responds to findings with copies to
  assessor(s)
• Accreditor Officers closes findings with input
  from assessor(s).
• Accreditation Council votes on each lab.
• Lab and Assessor are bonded for 2 years.
• Lab can contact Assessor for any issues during 2
  year period.

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Assessment Options

• Assessor can declare pre-assessment.
• Assessor can stop assessment.
• Lab can reject Assessor(s).
• Labs can close potential deficiencies during
  assessment.

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Continuing Education

• A2LA has annual conclave, NVLAP does not. LAB
  just starting
• Strive for consistency
• Weed out non-performers
• Frequent oversight by Accreditors

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Questions?
http//www.sfgate.com/sf/zippy/