ePolicy News—May 2025

Don’t Appeal ACLA Vs. FDA Decision, ASCP Urges RFK

ASCP urged HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. not to appeal a federal court decision ruling that the FDA lacks authority to regulate laboratory developed testing (LDT) services. The court’s decision, supported by ASCP’s amicus brief, aligns with past legal opinions from HHS and underscores that oversight should remain with CMS under CLIA to avoid unnecessary burdens and maintain patient access. Read more.

Tell Congress to Pass the Tomorrow's Workforce Act 

ASCP has issued an action alert urging members to support the bipartisan Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, which would expand 529 account eligibility to cover expenses for accredited laboratory training programs, certification, and related materials. The bill aims to enhance access to postsecondary education and training in STEM fields to better prepare the U.S. workforce. Read more.

Congress Must Act to Modernize Medicare Payment

As Congress resumes work on a budget reconciliation package, ASCP is urging lawmakers to prioritize Medicare payment reform, highlighting that Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) rates have fallen 33% in real terms since 2001. Congress has failed to reverse a 2.83% cut for 2025—marking the fifth consecutive cut. ASCP is actively collaborating with advocacy partners like the AMA to support legislation that would update Medicare payment rates and is calling on members to support the “Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act,” which would reverse the cut and provide a 2% increase to help stabilize pathology and lab services. Read more.

Trump’s Budget Proposes Massive Cuts in Public Health, Workforce Initiatives

President Trump’s May 2 budget proposal calls for a significant $163 billion cut in federal spending for FY 2026, slashing non-defense discretionary programs—including healthcare, education, and environmental initiatives. The Department of Health and Human Services would face a 34 percent cut, with major reductions or eliminations in funding for agencies like the CDC, NIH, HRSA, and critical student loan and workforce development programs that support healthcare professionals. These proposals have raised concerns in the healthcare and education sectors, particularly regarding access to student aid and the potential impact on workforce pipelines, though many elements remain subject to change as Congress continues budget deliberations. Read more.

ASCP 2025 Wage Survey: Capturing Data of the Nation’s Clinical Laboratory Workforce

ASCP launched its 2025 Wage Survey on April 1, gathering responses from more than 10,000 laboratory professionals nationwide before closing. As a trusted source of wage data since 1988, the survey informs workforce planning, policy decisions, and advocacy for better compensation and conditions in the lab profession. It also gives ASCP members a platform to share their experiences and shape the future of laboratory medicine. Read more.

ASCP Launches New Catalog of Effective Test Utilization Recommendations

ASCP has launched a new searchable online catalog of Effective Test Utilization (ETU) recommendations, formerly known as Choosing Wisely. Designed for improved usability, the catalog offers laboratory professionals a faster, more efficient way to find actionable guidance without the need for manual searches. Read more.

ASCP Highlights Vital Role of Pathologists and Laboratory Professionals on The Balancing Act

Ali Brown, MD, FASCP, ASCP’s Chief Medical Officer, appeared on The Balancing Act to highlight the vital role of pathologists and laboratory professionals in patient care. She discussed the workforce shortage and the need to recruit new talent, while also emphasizing the importance of advocacy and public awareness. Read more.

Recognizing Leaders in Healthcare: Nominate a Laboratory Stewardship Champion Today!

ASCP’s Laboratory Stewardship Champions program honors individuals, teams, and organizations that lead impactful initiatives in pathology and laboratory medicine aligned with ASCP’s Best Practice Recommendations for Effective Test Utilization. These champions exemplify patient-centered care, innovation, and leadership in promoting responsible test use and educating others in the field. Nominations close May 16, 2025. Read more.

Despite Challenging Climate on Immigration, the Outlook for Work Visas may be Improving for Foreign Pathologists

Amid proposed federal budget cuts impacting healthcare workforce programs, immigration is being considered as a staffing solution, though inconsistent immigration policies—like recent F-1 and J-1 visa cancellations—have raised concerns. However, efforts to support international medical graduates are gaining momentum, with multiple bipartisan bills introduced to expand the Conrad 30 program, which helps foreign physicians work in underserved U.S. areas by waiving certain visa requirements. ASCP supports these legislative efforts, especially as recent policy changes have removed numerical caps on waivers from HHS, potentially increasing access for pathologists and addressing critical workforce shortages. Read more.