Why Supporting the ASCLS Political Action Committee (PAC) Matters
April German, MLS(ASCP)CM, Westgard Sigma-QM, ASCLS Political Action Committee Chair
When I sat down with Rebecca Ross, MLS(AMT), a new ASCLS PAC member, we discussed why she joined ASCLS and why supporting the PAC is not just critical but empowering for laboratory professionals. Rebecca, a medical laboratory scientist with a master’s degree in healthcare law, understands firsthand the pivotal role of advocacy in shaping the future of our profession.
Rebecca, with her unique background, is acutely aware of the significant impact of legislative decisions on our daily operations. The laws and regulations on Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protections, cybersecurity, reimbursement policies, and licensure and certification requirements directly shape how we work. Without our input, these policies are being written, leading to unintended consequences for our profession.
COVID put a light on us for a bit, but then it strained us.
Medical laboratory professionals were in the spotlight during the pandemic, yet the attention quickly faded. If you ask the average legislator or administrator, “What is a medical laboratory scientist (MLS)?”—would they be able to answer? Lack of awareness leads to policies that impact laboratories without our input, something ASCLS PAC is working to change.
The Complexities of Our Profession: A Medical Laboratory Professional’s Perspective
One of the most pressing issues in our profession is the lack of recognition. Despite being the backbone of modern healthcare, the laboratory often operates in the shadows. This critical divide between us and the rest of the medical community is disheartening. We deserve recognition for our expertise and fair compensation for our hard work.
“We work in a department that requires written and oral examinations on just about everything,” Rebecca said. “Looking back, I wish my instructors had warned me that I’d become an expert at passing exams. Throughout our education, we are constantly monitored and tested—more rigorously than almost any other allied health program. Our certification isn’t a one-time achievement, we must engage in continuous education and testing to maintain it.
“I remember taking two to three tests per week on different subjects during school,” she continued. “One day, we’d be analyzing hematology slides, and by the end of the week, we’d be tested on the coagulation cascade. At the time, I often questioned why we needed such a deep understanding of the coagulation cascade.
“Now, after years of working at the bench, I see the significance,” she said. “We’ve all had those moments when a nurse or physician calls, puzzled by a high or low result. In one instance where a patient’s PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time) was elevated, I knew to ask if the patient was on heparin, they confirmed. A high PTT can often be explained by the patient receiving heparin therapy, particularly unfractionated heparin (UFH). Heparin is an anticoagulant that inhibits clot formation by enhancing the activity of antithrombin III, which in turn inactivates thrombin and factor Xa. This prolongs the time it takes for blood to clot, leading to an elevated PTT result.”
Rebbecca’s extensive knowledge of the coagulation pathway gave her the confidence that the result was correct.
Fighting for Recognition and Fair Compensation
Advocating for our profession matters. We don’t just run tests—we ensure accurate and reliable results, troubleshoot complex cases, and provide critical insights that directly impact patient care. Yet, despite our essential role in healthcare, medical laboratory professionals are often overlooked. It’s time for greater recognition of the depth of our expertise and the vital contributions we make to patient outcomes.
While there is a common perception that declining enrollment in medical laboratory science programs is driving workforce shortages, the reality is more complex. In fact, the number of graduates has grown by approximately 10 percent over the past decade, with around 7,000 new professionals entering the workforce each year. However, this still falls short of the estimated 8,000 laboratorians retiring annually, creating a persistent deficit of at least 1,000 professionals per year. This gap is further exacerbated by the increasing demand for diagnostic testing and the rising complexity of laboratory procedures. The Department of Labor (DOL) projects a 7 percent increase in demand for laboratory professionals, meaning we need not just to replace those retiring but to expand the workforce by thousands more.
Additionally, COVID-19 accelerated retirement rates, disrupted workforce stability, and contributed to widespread burnout. From 2018 to 2022, the overall laboratory vacancy rate surged, with core lab functions experiencing up to 18 percent vacancy rates in some areas. Surveys indicate that 30 percent of lab professionals are considering changing careers, while 13 percent are contemplating retirement—an alarming trend that threatens the sustainability of the field. Unlike nurses and physicians, medical laboratory professionals (MLPs) make up a much smaller segment of the healthcare workforce, with only one MLP for every 10 nurses, making retention and recruitment even more critical.
The Medical Laboratory Personnel Shortage Relief Act of 2024, introduced by Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC), seeks to address this growing crisis by investing in the laboratory workforce and accelerating the education process. The bill would provide financial incentives to laboratories, particularly in rural and high-turnover settings, to recruit and retain professionals. Additionally, it highlights the need for increased hospital-based training programs, online learning expansion, and stronger federal support for laboratory education.
Efforts to grow the workforce must include expanding education funding. The Health Professions and Nursing Education Coalition (HPNEC) recommends that Congress allocate $1.5 billion to healthcare education, yet only $886 million has been approved so far. A new round of funding, including $9.2 million specifically for disadvantaged students, is expected to open soon, providing an opportunity for greater investment in laboratory science education. Thousands of qualified applicants are turned away from laboratory science programs each year due to limited program capacity, further restricting the pipeline of new professionals.
To truly address the laboratory workforce crisis, Congress must act. Supporting the Medical Laboratory Personnel Shortage Relief Act is a critical step toward ensuring that hospitals, particularly rural and underserved facilities, have the skilled professionals needed to maintain high-quality patient care. As laboratory professionals, we are a vital piece of the healthcare puzzle, and it’s time for our contributions to be recognized and supported at the national level.
Regulations that Work Against Us
How can we ensure that regulations support us in delivering the highest quality patient care?
Regulations play a vital role in maintaining high standards in healthcare, but at times, they create unintended challenges that make it harder for laboratory professionals to do their jobs efficiently. While we fully support policies that uphold patient safety and quality, it’s important to ensure that these regulations are fair, practical, and aligned with real-world laboratory operations. Laboratory professionals undergo rigorous testing, training, and competency checks because our work is foundational to accurate diagnosis and treatment.
The need for stronger advocacy and engagement with legislators is essential to our profession. But how do we build relationships with policymakers when we are states away from Washington, DC? The first step is getting to know your elected officials at the state and federal levels. Educating them about our profession and its challenges helps build relationships with those willing to speak on our behalf.
This is where ASCLS PAC plays a crucial role—ensuring that laboratory professionals have a seat at the table when decisions affecting our profession are made.
Giving Your Voice Power
Sometimes it feels like no one knows what we do, but the more of us that are talking, the more likely people will listen.
If we don’t advocate for ourselves, no one else will. ASCLS PAC provides a platform for laboratorians to speak directly to policymakers and influence decisions that impact workforce shortages, wages, regulations, and professional recognition.
We have all witnessed the consequences of poor leadership, misguided regulations, and a lack of understanding about our profession. Are we willing to remain silent victims of these decisions, or will we take action and make our voices heard?
Supporting ASCLS PAC means fighting for a future where laboratorians are valued, respected, and fairly compensated. Your voice matters, let’s use it!
April German is Principal Consultant at Lab Connections in Joplin, Missouri.
