NPAAC logo (acronym)
National Pathology Accreditation Scheme
The National Pathology Accreditation (NPA) Scheme provides for the Australia-wide coordination of accreditation processes for pathology laboratories in Australia.
Overview
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) is responsible for supporting the National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council in its work to develop the pathology standards. The Commission also has a role in overseeing the accreditation process. These responsibilities were transferred from the Australian Government Department of Health (the Department) on 1 July 2021.
The Commission is working with accrediting agencies, pathology providers, technical experts, consumers, representative groups and other government agencies to fulfil its functions.
The pathology standards gives consumers, families, carers, clinicians and service providers the confidence that services such blood tests or tissue analyses meet the safety and quality expectations of the public and the Australian healthcare system.
Implementation of the standards
In 1986, the Australian Government introduced compulsory accreditation for pathology laboratories. To claim benefits under Medicare as an accredited provider, pathology laboratories must be assessed to and meet the national pathology accreditation standards.
The pathology accreditation standards underpin the accreditation requirements specified in the Health Insurance (Accredited Pathology Laboratories—Approval) Principles 2017.
More importantly, the pathology accreditation standards supports the consistent assessment of pathology laboratories in Australia. This process protects the public from harm by ensuring that relevant systems and processes are in place to support consumers, clinicians and service providers.
Pathology laboratories must meet the requirements of all the standards. The National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA) is the approved accrediting agency for pathology accreditation.
Services Australia regulates the accredited pathology providers eligible for claiming under Medicare. Contact Services Australia for more information on the application and claims process.
Feedback
The Commission values your opinion. You can provide comments and feedback about this section of the Commission’s website by emailing advicecentre@safetyandquality.gov.au or phone 1800 304 056.
Approved pathology accrediting agency
Pathology accrediting agencies independently assess pathology laboratories across Australia to ensure they meet the requirements for pathology practice.
Further information is available on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.