Are applications for re‑accreditation treated differently from first-time submissions?

All applications submitted for accreditation—whether from a first‑time applicant or a laboratory seeking re‑accreditation—are evaluated using the same criteria. A re‑accreditation application is treated as a new submission for administrative and review purposes and must be complete, reflect current practices and procedures, and include payment of the current accreditation fee prior to panel review.

For laboratories seeking re‑accreditation, applications are reviewed by a new panel of reviewers. As a result, criteria that were previously met may require additional clarification or updated documentation. In addition, re‑applicants are expected to demonstrate measurable improvement, advancement, and maturation since the prior accreditation cycle. Over a three‑year period, it is reasonable to expect changes in laboratory operations, clinical focus, or quality initiatives.

While not required, laboratories seeking re‑accreditation are encouraged to include a cover letter summarizing changes since the previous application. These may include updates to policies or procedures, modifications in scope of services, staffing transitions, equipment upgrades, changes in patient population, or outcomes from quality assurance and continuous quality improvement efforts implemented during the prior accreditation period. Any previous review comments should also be carefully addressed.

Applications that are identical to prior submissions are unlikely to meet current criteria. As outlined in the CMLA Quality Improvement Statement, minimum acceptable standards may evolve as professional guidelines advance and as the field of clinical motion analysis continues to develop. Laboratory practices also naturally change over time; therefore, each section of the application should be carefully reviewed and revised to ensure accuracy and alignment with current operations. Applicants are advised to review the current application format and criteria in the Applications Portal before preparing and submitting a re‑accreditation application.