Society News Now - March 2026

PAMA Reporting Window Opens May 1—What Labs Need to Know

On Thursday, March 12, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released updated information for applicable laboratories to report private payor data under the often delayed Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA).

Recently enacted legislation pushed out cuts to the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS) to at least January 2027 and updated the period over which “applicable laboratories” are required to report.

Between May 1-July 31 this year, applicable laboratories are required to report private payor data for the first six months of 2025. A wealth of information has been provided on the reporting page.

ASCLS has participated in three briefings with CMS administrators in the last two months along with our partners in the Clinical Laboratory Coalition. There are some very important items of note:

CMS will contact laboratories they believe are required to report, but applicable laboratories are required to report whether they are contacted by CMS or not. PAMA does provide for civil monetary penalties levied by the agency against applicable laboratories who fail to report.
Each laboratory reporting must have one person who can serve as a submitter and another who can serve as the certifier. The reporting page will walk you through that process. Some previous reporters or certifiers may already have user names in the system.
ASCLS advises that laboratory leaders become familiar with this process before starting the reporting process. This process may not always be intuitive, and laboratories should carefully read all information, including the User Guides from CMS before proceeding.
There is a help desk setup to handle issues. One anticipated issue is that a laboratory’s National Provider Identification (NPI) can only be claimed by one person. If someone has claimed that NPI during the initial reporting several years ago, and that person is no longer the submitter or certifier, the laboratory is advised to contact the CMS Help Desk.
Make sure submissions are correct and complete before certification. Once certified, data will no longer be available to update.
Each entity with a Taxpayer ID Number (TIN) has to upload data using the provided template. The data needs to be organized by NPI, but multiple NPIs can be reported under one TIN in a single upload.

Once data collection is complete, CMS will compile and report on what the weighted median price is for each test code by early fall. For newer tests where they may not be any data reporting, a federal advisory committee will be convened to set those process via “cross walk” or “gap fill” methodology.

The RESULTS Act, which would permanently replace this process with a more accurate representation of the market, is still under consideration in Congress. There has been positive movement in light of the House Energy & Commerce Committee hearing on the bill. CMS is working to provide technical assistance for the legislation and the Congressional Budget Office will be providing a score to legislators. Both are important steps to achieving final passage of RESULTS.

ASCLS and our clinical laboratory partners are working together to put pressure on Congress to act through the Stop Lab Cuts campaign. To date, there have been more than 180,000 messages supporting RESULTS sent to Congress, but pressure will need to be greater over the summer and into fall.

Meet the Candidates for ASCLS National Office

The ASCLS Nominations Committee is pleased to present the candidates for office in the 2026-27 Society year. Candidates selected by ASCLS members will take office during the 2026 ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting. Members will elect one president-elect; three 3-year term directors; one 5-year term member for the Judicial Committee; and three 2-year term members for the Nominations Committee.

All ASCLS Members Can Vote in the Upcoming ASCLS Election

Changes to the ASCLS Elections Procedure and How to Prepare

Last June, the ASCLS House of Delegates approved opening voting to all eligible members of ASCLS (Professional, Ascending Professional, Developing Professional, and Emeritus) for national officers, Board of Directors, and elective committees. Previously only the House of Delegates members voted in national elections.

How to Vote: All eligible members will receive a link to vote electronically by email and text (if a mobile phone number is provided in your member profile).
When to Vote: Voting will open on Wednesday, May 13, at 11 am Eastern and will close on Wednesday, May 20, at 11 am Eastern.
Review Your Contact Information: Members are responsible for making sure your contact information is accurate in your member profile, especially your email and mobile phone, if you prefer to receive text message. Review your profile (login required).

ASCLS Awards and Scholarships

There are still opportunities recognize your fellow medical laboratory professionals with ASCLS awards.

Voices Under 40 (Due March 22)
Constituent Society Member of the Year Recognition (Due April 1)
Omicron Sigma (Due April 1)
Keys to the Future (Due May 1)

Scholarships Available for Undergraduate and Graduate CLS Students

Deadline: April 1

The Alpha Mu Tau Fraternity and ASCLS Education & Research (E&R) Fund, Inc., support the advancement of medical laboratory professionals through graduate and undergraduate scholarships for clinical laboratory science students. Applicants for all scholarships must be ASCLS members.

Annual Student Paper Award Competition

Deadline: April 15

The Clinical Laboratory Educators Forum (CLEF) Student Paper Award Competition is currently accepting submissions for MLS/DMS/CGT/MLT student-authored research papers and case studies.

Student research papers should address scientific as well as applicable educational, technical, administrative, consulting, and management studies.

Case studies should address any unusual, interesting, and unique manifestation of a disease etiology, pathology, clinical syndrome, complications, and prognosis known or unknown.

The award for the top research paper and the top case study is a $500 cash prize and free registration to attend the 2026 ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting (in-person or virtually). You must be an ASCLS member to apply.

Teaching Clinical Chemistry? Let’s Collaborate!

Thursday, March 26, 4:30-5:30 pm ET

RSVP

The Clinical Laboratory Educators Forum (CLEF) invites educators to join our upcoming Chemistry Curriculum Collaboration session—an interactive conversation focused on strengthening the way we teach clinical chemistry.

Led by Dr. Lacy Moss, Associate Professor at the University of Utah, this collaborative session will bring educators together to discuss practical strategies for teaching challenging chemistry concepts. Participants will explore ideas related to laboratory resources, hands-on lab activities, and learning experiences that help students connect theory with practice.

This session is designed to encourage open dialogue and idea sharing among educators. Whether you are looking for new teaching approaches, want to share successful activities, or simply want to connect with colleagues teaching chemistry, this session offers a space to collaborate and learn from one another.

If you can’t attend live, register anyway—those who pre-register will receive access to the recording.

ASCLS Volunteer Opportunities

Developing and Ascending Professionals Forums Seek Officer Nominations

Submit Your Application by April 15

Would you like to take on a leadership role in the Developing Professionals Forum (DPF) or the Ascending Professionals Forum (APF)? Or do you know someone who would make an excellent leader?

The DPF is seeking its next chair, vice chair, and secretary, and the APF is seeking its next vice chair and secretary. All applicants must be ASCLS Developing or Ascending Professional members as of February 28, 2026.

Diversity Advocacy Council Call for Officer Nominations

Submit Your Application by April 15

The ASCLS Diversity Advocacy Council (DAC) is seeking nominees for the position of vice chair and secretary.

Officers are members of the DAC Executive Committee. This group meets monthly for a one hour Zoom meeting. Officers are expected to help fulfill the charges of the DAC. Some example activities include PRISM events, the DAC Movie Night, and DAC Book Club. Officers are also strongly encouraged to attend the ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting (JAM).

2026 ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting (JAM)

June 28-July 2 | St. Louis or Virtual

ASCLS, the Association of Genetic Technologists (AGT), and Society of American Federal Medical Laboratory Scientists (SAFMLS) come together each summer for JAM, the premier gathering of laboratory professionals to share their knowledge, research, and best practices related to the field of laboratory science.

Learn from about 50 P.A.C.E.^®-approved scientific sessions from all three organizations.
Network and socialize with peers from across the country and around the world.
Explore exhibit booths from a wide range of industry partners.
Attend in-person or virtually, and access session recordings for at least 30 days after the event.

Registration opens next week.

Last Call for 2026 JAM Poster Presentation Abstracts

Submit by March 21

Make an impact on the future of medical laboratory science by sharing your research and case studies with peers from across the nation.

All posters will be showcased digitally (both onsite in St Louis and via the meeting app). Submissions will be accepted from both in-person and virtual attendees. In-person attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the poster competitions for cash prizes. All accepted primary poster presenters will receive $100 off registration for the meeting.

Race to JAM Student Trivia Competition Sign-up Extended

Race to JAM is a national student trivia competition hosted by the ASCLS Developing Professionals Forum. Preliminary rounds are conducted over Zoom on Saturday, April 18, starting at 10 am ET.

The final two teams will go head-to-head in-person at the 2026 ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting (JAM), held June 28-July 2 in St Louis, Missouri. The winning team will be recognized during the Awards Ceremony at JAM. Learn more.

ASCLS Political Action Committee Activities at JAM

Vintage Pin Sale

The ASCLS Political Action Committee (PAC) is excited to announce a special sale of vintage ASCLS pins. Stop by the PAC table during JAM in St. Louis to peruse the collection, “Pins from the Past.” Discover pins that celebrate our rich history—perfect for collectors or as meaningful gifts.

PAC Donor Breakfast

Join the PAC for a special breakfast to celebrate and thank its valued donors. All individuals that have donated $150 between July 1, 2025, though the 2026 JAM will be invited to attend. Enjoy a delicious breakfast; networking opportunities with colleagues who share your passion for advocacy; and special insights from ASCLS Federal Legislative Consultant Patrick Cooney. Secure your spot today by making your donation.

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week

11th Annual ASCLS Lab Week Run

April 19-25, 2026

Nearly 1,500 people have already signed up for the 2026 ASCLS Lab Week Virtual Run. Less than 500 race packets are left! Help spread the word about the medical laboratory profession and have fun with friends and co-workers.

This virtual race can be completed any time during Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (April 19-25, 2026) and anywhere. Participants can walk, use a treadmill, run outside, or even ride a bike to complete the 5K distance (or 3.1 miles). Organize a group run with friends and family, or go solo.

Sign up by April 10 to ensure your race packet arrives in time for Lab Week! All proceeds go to scholarships that help medical laboratory professionals attend ASCLS meetings, advocate for the profession, and become future leaders in the field.

Thank you to our 2026 Lab Week Run Platinum Sponsors BD, COLA, and SEKISUI Diagnostics.

Share Your Favorite Recipes

The ASCLS Marketing and Communication Committee compiled a digital cookbook of recipes for potlucks that have been lab-tested and approved by ASCLS members and other medical laboratory professionals. We’re updating the book for 2026 Lab Week celebrations.

Share your favorite recipes by March 31 to be added to the next edition.

Voices Under 40

Spotlight: Xander van Wijk, PhD, DABCC, SC(ASCP), San Francisco

Xander is the director of chemistry at UCSF, where he oversees clinical chemistry, immunoassay, mass spectrometry, and blood gas testing. He also reviews and signs out protein electrophoresis and immunofixation cases and teaches a clinical chemistry curriculum for pathology residents, helping to train the next generation of laboratory professionals.

Xander has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the laboratory profession through leadership at both the state and national levels. Within ASCLS, he serves on the ASCLS Political Action Committee (2024–present), contributing to advocacy efforts that help protect patient care and laboratory standards. Beyond ASCLS, he has held numerous leadership roles in professional organizations, including ADLM. Read more.

ASCLS Voices Under 40 honors ASCLS members who have shown exceptional commitment to the Society, the laboratory profession, and their community at large at a younger age in their professional career. Each month we spotlight one of the shining voices who was selected from many nominations across the country.

Nominations are currently open for the 2026 Voices Under 40. Nominations are due March 22.

Latest Jobs

Medical Laboratory Technician and Phlebotomy Program Director and Faculty
Otero College
La Junta, Colorado

Director Laboratory, Urgent Care Centers
Baptist Outpatient Services
Miami, Florida

Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Willits Hospital, Inc. d/b/a Adventist Health Howard Memorial
Willits, California

See more job openings on the ASCLS Career Center.

If you’re looking to fill an opening, post your job in the ASCLS Career Center and get access to over 18,000 candidates.

Local Events

2026 Ohio Collaborative Laboratory Conference
March 23-24
Westerville, Ohio

ASCLS-Nebraska and ASCP Great Plains Chapter Joint Spring Meeting
March 24-25
Omaha, Nebraska

ASCLS-Central New England Annual Conference
March 30-31
Warwick, Rhode Island

ASCLS-Idaho Spring Conference
April 2-3
Idaho Falls, Idaho

Missouri-Kansas Joint Conference and Exhibits
April 8-9
Overland Park, Kansas

ASCLS-Texas Annual State Convention
April 8-10
San Antonio, Texas

ASCLS-Michigan Annual Conference
April 12-14
Mount Pleasant, Michigan

ASCLS-Wisconsin State Convention
April 14-15
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Clinical Laboratory Collaborative Conference (ASCLS-Colorado and ASCLS-Wyoming)
April 16-17
Denver, Colorado

2026 Arkansas Laboratory Conference
April 17
Benton, Arkansas

FSCLS 2026 Spring Symposium
April 17
Orlando, Florida

ASCLS-South Dakota Annual Conference
April 17
Rapid City, South Dakota

ASCLS‑North Dakota Spring Symposium
April 20-21
Fargo, North Dakota

KSCLS 2026 Spring Conference (ASCLS-Colorado and ASCLS-Wyoming)
April 24
Richmond, Kentucky

ASCLS-Oklahoma One Vision 2026
April 25
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

ASCLS-Pennsylvania 2026 Annual Meeting
April 28
Norristown, Pennsylvania

2026 ColLABoration (ASCLS-Iowa and ASCP Iowa)
April 28-29
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

ASCLS-New Jersey Spring Seminar & Expo
April 30
Somerset, New Jersey

2026 Region IX Joint Spring Seminar (Alaska, Oregon, and Washington)
April 30-May 1
Virtual

ASCLS-Montana Spring Meeting
May 7-9
Anaconda, Montana

Hawaii Clinical Laboratory Conference
September 17-18
Honolulu, Hawaii

Key Dates

2026 Joint Annual Meeting Poster Abstract Submission Deadline
March 21

Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarship Deadline
April 1

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week
April 19-25

Society News Now – March 2026