01/08/2026

Survey Tip of the Week: Clinical Reference Range Notification

Facilities must promptly notify the ordering practitioner when laboratory results fall outside clinical reference ranges. “Promptly” means relaying results with little or no delay according to facility policies, procedures, and the practitioner’s orders. Surveyors cite F773 when abnormal results are not reported in a timely manner or when policies do not clearly define expectations for urgent notification.  

Facilities should regularly review their policies with the medical director to ensure they reflect current standards of practice. Policies should clearly define which results require notification, the urgency of reporting, and how staff verify that communication was received. A monitoring process should also be in place to evaluate whether notifications are timely, effective, and consistent across all shifts.