ePolicy News April 2023

Congress Should Address Laboratory Workforce Development Needs, ASCP Urges
ASCP is urging Congress to include the laboratory workforce in any legislation it passes to address healthcare workforce shortages. The causes of laboratory staff shortages include educational costs, salary, workload, stress, and burnout. Read more.

MedPAC Outlines Surprise for PFS Update 
For the first time, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has recommended Congress provide a physician payment update that is tied to the Medicare Economic Index (MEI). See how this affects pathology practices. Read more.

Senate Committee Reviews ASCP Recommendations on Pandemic Preparedness 
ASCP has submitted several suggestions to help Congress strengthen the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA), which is critical in order for the United States to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies. Read more.

ASCP to Support Appropriate Federal Healthcare Funding
In early March, President Joe Biden released his annual budget request. Now its Congress’ turn to consider these recommendations and determine how much money should be spent, and on what, during the upcoming 2024 fiscal year. Read more.

Register for Webinar: Mobilizing Laboratory Consortia to Drive Change
ASCP, together with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is launching a virtual laboratory capacity building series. Building Bridges Across the Laboratory Community will feature stories of laboratory partnerships contributing to effective emergency response management and solutions to workforce challenges. This first session will be April 28. Read more.

ASCP Conducts 2023 Wage Survey Through May 3
ASCP is conducting its 2023 Wage Survey to provide the most recent wage data within the nation’s clinical laboratory workforce. This survey is the primary source of information for academic, governmental, and industry labor analysts. The survey will be open until May 3. Read more.

New FDA Blood Donor Eligibility Guidelines Receive ASCP, AABB Support
The Alliance for a Strong Blood Supply, ASCP, AABB and other groups concerned about blood supply issues are backing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recently proposed donor eligibility guidelines that expand the potential blood donor base. Read 
more.

In Celebration of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
ASCP will be recognizing Lab Week 2023 during the week of April 23-29. Watch ASCP’s social channels during Lab Week for shareable posts to enhance the laboratory’s visibility. And check out this article featuring ASCP Board of Certification Executive Director Amy Spiczka CREDENTIALS talking about the importance of pathologists and laboratory professionals as part of the patient care team. Read more.