ePolicy News February 2023

RBC Antibody Exchange Receives HHS Equity Award
ASCP’s efforts to help establish a nationwide Red Blood Cell (RBC) Antibody Exchange came one step closer to reality. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) named it one of 24 projects to receive a “Challenge on Equity” award. Once fully established, the Exchange would help to better match patients with the particular units of blood they need, by linking blood centers across the U.S. Read more.

ASCP Well-Prepared for Cervical Cancer Guideline Updates
ASCP is ready to respond quickly when the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force releases updated cervical cancer screening guidelines for review. With only a 30-day comment period, ASCP is poised to educate, advocate on behalf of patients, and rapidly respond once the drafts are issued. Read more.

ASCP Applauds Draft FDA Guidance to Expand Blood Donor Eligibility
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released a draft guidance that will provide far-reaching updates to blood donor eligibility, proposing significant changes for blood donations for men who have sex with men. ASCP has advocated for such a change for some time and will support the overall policy during the 60-day formal comment period. Read more.

Massive Spending Bill Revamps Student Loan Repayment Offerings 
Two important workforce programs are tucked inside the Omnibus Spending bill recently signed into law: The Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program and the Bio-Preparedness Workforce Pilot Program. ASCP strongly supports these programs. Find out how they affect pathology and the laboratory. Read more.

Lutheran Hospital of Indiana is Second U.S. Laboratory to Achieve Leading Laboratory Designation
Lutheran Hospital of Indiana has been designated a Leading Laboratory by ASCP and The Joint Commission. The recognition signifies a laboratory has achieved the gold standard for laboratory excellence and made meaningful achievements in improving patient outcomes. Read more.