US · guidance
CMS SOM App. C, Tag D6164
§493.1483 Standard: Cytotechnologist qualifications
(a) Possess a current license as a cytotechnologist issued by the State in which the
laboratory is located, if such licensing is required; and
(b) Meet one of the following requirements:
(b)(1) Have graduated from a school of cytotechnology accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); or
(b)(2) Be certified in cytotechnology by a certifying agency approved by HHS; or
(b)(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, an individual is
considered qualified as a cytotechnologist under this section if they were qualified
and serving as a cytotechnologist in a CLIA-certified laboratory as of December 28,
2024, and have done so continuously since December 28, 2024.
Interpretive Guidelines §493.1483(b)(3)
The grandfathering provision will allow individuals already qualified and employed as a
cytotechnologist as of the effective date of the final rule December 28, 2024, to continue
to be qualified under the new provisions provided the individuals remain continuously
employed in their position after the effective date of December 28, 2024. The individual
may have no more than 6 months of break in employment in their position in a two-year
period.
History
Rev. 233; Issued: 09-12-25; Effective: 09-12-25; Implementation: 09-12-25
Provenance
- Source
- cms.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-07-22
- Edition
- som-2026-07-22
- Content hash
4240fc81cf460e40e8909a5178affdb3384264e4880611df02b4c9a59ba8e81b
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