MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE COUNCIL OF NIGERIA ACT, 2003
Act · Health
Policy date: 2003-01-01
An Act establishes the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria to regulate the practice of medical laboratory science and register professionals. It sets standards for laboratory services and targets medical laboratory scientists, technicians, hospitals, and public health labs. This ensures safe and accurate testing for patients across Nigeria.
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE COUNCIL OF NIGERIA ACT, 2003
What Is This Policy?
An Act establishing the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) to regulate the practice of medical laboratory science, register medical laboratory scientists, and set standards for laboratory services.
Who Does It Target?
Medical laboratory scientists and technicians Hospitals and diagnostic laboratories NAFDAC and public health laboratories Teaching hospitals with laboratory departments
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Ensure that medical laboratory services in Nigeria are delivered by qualified, registered professionals to accurate and safe standards, protecting patients and the integrity of laboratory results.
Key Features
Professional Registration: All medical laboratory scientists must be registered with MLSCN before practising. Laboratory Accreditation: Diagnostic laboratories must meet MLSCN standards and may be accredited. Examination Standards: MLSCN sets competency requirements and may conduct qualifying examinations. Discipline: MLSCN investigates complaints and sanctions practitioners for malpractice.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide medical laboratory sector Beneficiaries: Patients; diagnostic accuracy; public health Funding: Registration fees; Federal Government
How to Access
Hold a recognised degree in medical laboratory science Register with MLSCN before practising Annual renewal of practising licence required Application method: Apply for MLSCN registration at https://www.mlscn.gov.ng
Important Terms
Practising medical laboratory science without registration is illegal MLSCN accreditation of COVID-19 testing laboratories was mandated during the pandemic Laboratory results signed by unregistered scientists may not be accepted in courts
Official Resources
Website: https://www.mlscn.gov.ng Contact: Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN)
Legal Framework
The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria Act 2003 establishes MLSCN as the regulatory body for medical laboratory science. It operates under the National Health Act 2014, the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act. MLSCN aligns with the International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science (IFBLS) professional standards and the WHO standards for laboratory quality management systems (ISO 15189).