State Operations Manual (Pub. 100-07), Ch. 5 § 5510.3
Conducting Investigations in a Laboratory with Certificate of
5510.3 – Conducting Investigations in a Laboratory with Certificate of
Compliance
(Rev. 234; Issued: 09-12-25; Effective: 09-12-25; Implementation: 09-12-25)
The SA is responsible for the review and triage of CoC complaints. This does not include
federal jurisdictional laboratories within its State.
Note for Transfusion-Related Fatality Investigations: CMS or the SA will conduct the
survey within 45 days of the notice from CMS, with notification to CMS when the survey
is complete. A copy of the investigation report should be submitted to CMS within 60
days, including the Form CMS-2567, Statement of Deficiencies, if issued.
Investigations of transfusion-related fatalities are generally announced, since the facility
is aware of the possibility of a follow up after the report is made to the FDA. These
investigations are an exception to the general policy that complaint surveys are not
announced. However, if the report of the fatality originates with any other source, e.g.,
media or anonymous complaint, the SA or CMS conducts an unannounced survey.
Summary and information from the FDA are considered confidential and may only be
shared within CMS or the SA. It may not be shared with any other party, including
AOs. See SOM Chapter 6 section 6040.