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Background

Each separate application to CPA for accreditation has a single CPA reference number.  Each CPA reference number can only have one status, it is not possible for parts of the same application to have different status with CPA as the whole is assessed and the decision made post assessment is for the whole reference number.  The status of the application can be checked either on the CPA database or in the public domain via the website. 

Merging departments

Many departments are undergoing change and there are mergers ongoing within the UK.  CPA need to be able to react to these mergers with as much flexibility as possible.  The main issue is that the users of the service provided by each department are not misled about the CPA status.  In order to minimise the disruption to the applicant and the users CPA have agreed the following policy.

Options

It must be stressed that the departments have a choice on how they proceed.

1.      Regardless of CPA status of each separate department involved in the merger, the individual reference numbers may be maintained until the merged department has been assessed.  When an application form is received for the new merged department it will be given a new CPA reference number and the status Awaiting Assessment.  This will also be displayed on the website.  Post assessment the report will cover the new reference and it will be given its own CPA status, the original reference numbers will be deleted from the database and archive records maintained.

2.      If all departments involved in the merger have the same CPA status there is the opportunity to retain one of the original reference numbers with the collective CPA status, without the need for immediate reassessment. Or if the applicant so chooses CPA is able to provide a new CPA reference number for the merged service, both original numbers will be deleted from the database and archive records maintained.

3.      If the departments do not have the same status, the laboratory can merge into a new reference number but the new status will be the lowest common denominator.  A reassessment may be necessary.  If a surveillance visit is due, the surveillance report will cover the merger.  If the applicant so chooses they are able to maintain the separate reference numbers prior to assessment as described in option 1.
 

Cheryl Blair
Diane Tipple