ePolicy News—March 2025

ASCP Continues Push to Stop FDA’s LDT Rule as Stage 1 Compliance Approaches 

The FDA’s final rule on laboratory developed tests (LDTs) is set to take effect on May 6, but ASCP continues to push for a delay through legal, legislative, and administrative channels. ASCP supports the Freedom for Laboratory Testing and Innovation Act, which would block FDA funding for implementing the rule, and has launched an Action Alert urging members to advocate for congressional support. Read more.  

Congress Fails to Fix Medicare 

Congress approved a budget bill on March 14, which President Trump has signed, but it did not include a fix for declining Medicare payment rates. ASCP and other medical organizations had urged Congress to reverse cuts to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS) and plan to continue lobbying for Medicare payment reform and are urging their members to take action. Read more. 

Supreme Court Ruling on Coverage of Preventive Services Could Impact Patients and the Laboratory  

The USPSTF recently released updated draft recommendations for cervical cancer screening, maintaining a "Grade A" designation for co-testing, which ensures full insurance coverage under the ACA. In April, the Supreme Court will hear a challenge regarding whether USPSTF-recommended screenings, including cervical cancer tests, must remain fully covered at no cost to patients. ASCP is closely monitoring the case, as a ruling against coverage could reduce patient access to critical preventive tests like cancer, diabetes, and STD screenings. Read more. 

Advancing Laboratory Science: Key Takeaways from the COLA 2024 Workforce Action Alliance Summit 

COLA hosted its second annual summit on the medical laboratory workforce, bringing together industry leaders to assess progress and set new priorities. The resulting Workforce Action Alliance (WAA) Summit Proceedings Document outlines key efforts to address workforce shortages, including improved data collection, clearer career pathways, and future skill development, explores emerging trends like automation, AI, and value-based healthcare, and offers strategies to build a sustainable laboratory science workforce. Read more. 

Building Bridges Series Illuminates Laboratory Careers  

ASCP’s Building Bridges Across the Laboratory Community webinar series returned on February 12 and will focus on laboratory career pathways and the impact of formative experiences. This free, six-part series features expert panel discussions, offers 1.5 CMLE credits per session, and aims to elevate career visibility, support career transitions, and promote workforce retention. Read more.  

Interactive Amazing Lab Returns to ASCP KnowledgeLab Conference 

The Amazing Lab Race is an interactive educational event that uses a competition format to help laboratory leaders apply ASCP’s Negotiation and Advocacy Toolbox for effective lab advocacy. The event will return as the closing session of KnowledgeLab 2025 in Scottsdale, AZ, encouraging laboratory leaders to enhance their advocacy skills and secure leadership investment. Read more.  

Ring Scholars Highlight the Value of Scholarship 

The 2025-2026 application window for the Dr. Alvin Ring Empowerment Scholarship for Laboratory Professionals is now open, offering financial support for students pursuing medical laboratory education. This scholarship is designed for U.S. citizens from medically underserved or rural areas who aim to build laboratory capacity in their communities. Read more.