The Joint Commission (TJC) is collaborating with the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) to offer TJC-accredited hospital laboratories recognition for excellence in their field.

Called Leading Laboratories, the program is designed to recognize “laboratories that demonstrate an exemplary focus on impacting quality patient outcomes. Through this focus, they in turn increase the visibility and prominence of the medical laboratory team among clinical colleagues, hospital leadership, and patients,” according to the site’s home page.

To earn the distinction of a Leading Laboratory, hospital labs must be able to show excellence in four areas:

• Elevating quality outcomes
• Supporting professional development
• Cultivating trusted leadership
• Promoting laboratory visibility

To be able to apply, the organization must be TJC accredited, be based at a hospital, and be in good standing, which also means it cannot have a preliminary denial or denial of accreditation.

A hospital lab can apply online through the website.

The ASCP is an advocacy and educational organization with a membership of more than 100,000 pathologists and laboratory professionals, according to its website. Like TJC, it is based in Chicago.