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Monday, June 20, 2011

Ind. Gov't. - "Toxicology lab's fresh start sparks sense of optimism"

That is the headline of this front-page story this morning in the Indianapolis Star, reported by Tim Evans and Mark Alesia. Some quotes:

Legal experts and state officials say they are hopeful that pulling the state Department of Toxicology out of Indiana University and making it a stand-alone state agency will lead to the end of long-standing problems at the lab that tests blood and urine samples for criminal cases.

The move comes as a result of legislation approved by the General Assembly in response to complaints about the lab's performance, including long delays in receiving test results and concerns about the accuracy of those results.

Although cynics might say that placing the state agency lab under the auspices of Indiana University might have been the solution recommended if the situation were reversed, a section later in the story points to some more promising changes:
But it may be another change spelled out in the legislation -- a mandate that the new agency work toward accreditation by a nationally recognized toxicology group -- that makes the biggest difference.

The legislation calls for the creation of a three-member advisory board, appointed by the governor, to oversee the department. One of the advisory board's duties, specifically spelled out in the bill, is to provide guidance on "obtaining accreditation by a nationally recognized organization that sets toxicology standards." * * *

Accreditation is essential because it requires ongoing internal and external scrutiny of a lab's work, said Ralph Keaton, executive director of the American Association of Crime Lab Directors Lab Accreditation Board. The Indiana lab has never sought accreditation or been accredited.

To be accredited, labs must meet widely recognized operational and performance standards -- and maintain documentation that those standards are followed in every case, Keaton said. His group is the country's oldest and leading forensic accreditation body, and one of only three nationally recognized groups that certify forensic toxicology labs.

Ultimately, Keaton said, the process comes down to ensuring that the courts and the public can be confident in a lab's work.

"Having external, competent experts review your work," he said, "gives everyone involved confidence that a lab is operating in accordance with internationally recognized standards and providing accurate results."

Posted by Marcia Oddi on June 20, 2011 08:59 AM
Posted to Indiana Government