ePolicy News—January 2026

January 13, 2026

In this issue: 

  • Public Policy Issues to Watch in 2025 

  • House Energy and Commerce Committee Holds Hearing on RESULTS Act 

  • HHS Updates Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines  

  • AMA Opens Registration for 2026 National Advocacy Conference  

  • ICYMI: Path Clinics article from Critical Values 

  • ICYMI: Urge Congress to Oppose the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act 

 

Public Policy Issues to Watch in 2025 

With Congress back in Washington, lawmakers are focused on a number of issues, including extending federal spending authority, avoiding a government shutdown, addressing rising healthcare costs, and considering Medicare-related legislation. ASCP is actively advocating policies that support fair reimbursement, protect patient care, strengthen workforce development, and mitigate the negative impacts of recent immigration proposals on the pathology and laboratory workforce. Read more.  

House Energy and Commerce Committee Holds Hearing on RESULTS Act

ASCP is urging its members to tell Congress to pass the RESULTS Act, which would reform Medicare laboratory payment rates and help stabilize reimbursement for pathology and laboratory services. With protections against further Medicare CLFS cuts expiring on January 30, 2026, ASCP is calling for swift legislative action following a recent House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on the bill. Read more.  

HHS Updates Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines 

The U.S. Health Research and Services Administration has released new cervical cancer screening guidelines, with most private insurance plans required to cover these services without patient cost-sharing starting January 2027. These patient-centered updates also expand coverage, removing significant financial barriers that have historically prevented many women from accessing complete cervical cancer screening care. Read more.  

AMA Opens Registration for 2026 National Advocacy Conference 

The AMA has opened registration for its 2026 National Advocacy Conference on February 23-25 at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C. ASCP encourages encouraging its physician members to also join the AMA, with whom ASCP has a long partnership history on patient care and physician practice issues. Read more.  

ICYMI: ASCP’s Pathology Clinic Certificate Program Empowers Patients and Pathologists 

ASCP’s new certificate program now offers a step-by-step roadmap for any institution to build patient-facing clinics that deepen understanding, strengthen communication, and transform the role of pathologists. With powerful patient stories, practical guidance, and a vision for more meaningful provider–patient connections, this emerging model is reshaping how pathology supports patient-centric care. Read more. 

ICYMI: Urge Congress to Oppose the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act  

ASCP is urging pathologists and laboratory professionals to contact federal legislators to oppose PERA, which would overturn Supreme Court precedent from the AMP v. Myriad Genetics case that prohibited patents on naturally occurring DNA segments. The legislation would allow patents on all biomarkers, including DNA and their health associations, potentially undermining patient care, monopolizing medical innovations, and stifling competition. Read more.  

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