The ASCP, American Medical Association, and other medical societies recently raised concerns about the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Supremacy Project, a project aimed at developing national practice standards for 48 categories of health professionals. The initiative would override long-established state laws governing scope of practice and health-professional licensure.
In a
letter to the VA, ASCP joined other medical societies in opposition to this proposal in part due to concerns about a 2015 VA proposal that would have allowed certified nurse practitioners to order, perform, supervise, and interpret laboratory tests. ASCP aggressively opposed that 2015 proposed rule due to a concern that individuals without proper education and clinical training in non-waived testing could be allowed to perform or supervise these tests. Our advocacy resulted in the VA rescinding the proposal and clarifying that APRNs may not supervise or perform non-waived laboratory tests, though they may order them and integrate the results into clinical decision making. ASCP was concerned that the VA’s Supremacy Project could result in the VA trying to revive its 2015 proposal.
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