ePolicy News—October 2025

October 15, 2025

In this issue: 

  • ASCP Seeks National Interest Exemption from H-1B Visa Fee 

  • A Novel Approach to Global Cancer Financing 

  • AI, Retirements, and Staffing Gaps: What Every Pathologist and Medical Lab Professional Should Know from the 2024 Vacancy Survey 

  • ASCP Endorses RESULTS Act 

  • CMS Memo Revokes Remote Review of Cytology Digital Images 

  • ASCP 2025 Advocacy Sessions Empower Members to Champion Pathology and Laboratory Medicine  

ASCP Seeks National Interest Exemption from H-1B Visa Fee 

ASCP urged the Trump Administration to exempt pathologists and laboratory professionals from a new $100,000 H-1B visa fee. Although the Department of Homeland Security clarified that the fee applies only to new visas issued after the effective date, many companies and immigration attorneys have advised caution regarding international travel due to ongoing policy uncertainty. ASCP, along with the AMA and other healthcare organizations, has called for exemptions for all medical personnel, while several lawsuits challenging the legality of the new fee are already underway. Read more.  

A Novel Approach to Global Cancer Financing 

ASCP and partners advanced the Global Cancer Financing Platform during the U.N. General Assembly, aiming to mobilize at least $1 billion by 2030 to improve early cancer diagnosis and treatment, initially focusing on women’s cancers. As an Organizing Committee Member, ASCP is ensuring that laboratory systems, quality management, and measurable lab performance metrics are central to the platform’s financing and governance. The meeting featured global leaders, new country signatories, and innovative financing pilots, all reinforcing that strong laboratory infrastructure is essential to achieving earlier, more equitable cancer diagnosis and care. Read more.   

AI, Retirements, and Staffing Gaps: What Every Pathologist and Medical Lab Professional Should Know from the 2024 Vacancy Survey 

The newly released 2024 ASCP Vacancy Survey shows that while laboratory vacancy rates have declined since 2022, they remain above pre-pandemic levels, with rising retirements and growing challenges in adapting to artificial intelligence. ASCP urges laboratories, educators, and policymakers to use these findings to strengthen workforce planning, expand training programs, and advocate for policies that support long-term laboratory workforce sustainability. Read more.   

ASCP Endorses RESULTS Act 

ASCP has joined 13 other pathology and laboratory medicine organizations in supporting the bipartisan RESULTS Act, which aims to reform the Medicare Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule and correct flaws in the 2014 PAMA law that led to nearly $4 billion in payment cuts. The legislation would improve data accuracy, reduce reporting burdens, stabilize Medicare rates, and prevent further cuts, with ASCP planning an upcoming Action Alert to advance its passage. Read more. 

CMS Memo Revokes Remote Review of Cytology Digital Images 

CMS issued a memorandum rescinding permission for remote review of digital cytology images without a CLIA certificate, citing a lack of statutory authority to make COVID-era flexibility permanent. While remote digital reviews remain for other pathology specialties, cytology labs will need a separate CLIA certificate for remote review within six months, and ASCP is developing an action plan in response to the policy change. Read more. 

ASCP 2025 Advocacy Sessions Empower Members to Champion Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 

ASCP’s 2025 Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Nov. 17–20, will highlight the Society’s advocacy efforts, offering sessions that equip members to engage in policy issues and demonstrate the laboratory’s vital role in patient care. Find out more about the advocacy-related sessions that can impact your practice. Read more.  

 

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