CMS Proposes Changes to Personnel Regulations | Labvocates Gather for 2026 Symposium | Public Health Webinar on Cyclospora Outbreak Response | From the Bench to Leadership | Get Insights from DCLS Leaders | Get Ready for #LABtober and Additional Fall Events | And more
CMS Proposes Changes to Personnel Regulations
Immediately after collecting information through a Request for Information process, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a significant number of substantive changes to personnel regulations under CLIA. The proposed rules can be read on Regulations.gov.
The ASCLS Government Affairs Committee will lead the Society’s effort to provide comments. Members who would like to share their perspectives with the Government Affairs Committee can provide them via email to labvocate@ascls.org no later than Monday, November 9, 2026.
ASCLS encourages all members to participate in the regulatory process and provide their own perspectives with the agency before the comment deadline in early December.
Labvocates Gather for 2026 Symposium
On October 12, nearly 100 medical laboratory professionals joined together in Alexandria, Virginia, and virtually for the 2026 Labvocate Symposium.
ASCLS, the American Medical Technologists, American Society for Clinical Pathology, Association of Genetic Technologists, National Society for Histotechnology, and the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists-USA hosted the event where attendees learned about the legislative issues impacting medical laboratories and how to make their voices heard on Capitol Hill.
On October 13, attendees met with their respective members of Congress to advocate for bills and issues discussed the day before.
The Symposium focused on two key legislative issues:
- The RESULTS Act, which addresses longstanding challenges related to the implementation of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (PAMA).
- The Medical Laboratory Personnel Shortage Relief Act of 2025, which would establish a federal grant program to expand laboratory workforce training opportunities across the United States.
One first-time attendee shared her experience at the Symposium:
Without question, this was the most meaningful conference experience I’ve had. The opportunity to advocate on Capitol Hill alongside passionate colleagues has changed my perspective on how I can contribute to our profession. Rather than simply discussing the challenges we face, I felt like I was taking meaningful action to help address them.
Many attendees reported positive feedback from their visits on the Hill. Stay tuned for more opportunities to take action this November.
ASCLS Webinar
Public Health Partnerships in Action: Cyclospora Outbreak Response
October 29, 2 pm ET
Presenter: Kimberly McCullor, MSc, PhD, HCLD(ABB), Microbiology Technical Director, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories
Description: In June of 2026, Michigan identified an outbreak of Cyclosporiasis evolving into one of the largest outbreaks seen within the United States. This session will discuss the role public health laboratory and other laboratory partners play in outbreak responses through the lens of the most recent large scale Cyclospora outbreak.
Objectives:
1. Describe the recent Cyclospora outbreak
2. Explain the infrastructure utilized for public health Cyclospora outbreak response
3. Identify the role clinical laboratory partners play in outbreak response using the Cyclospora outbreak as an example
Instruction Level: Basic
Registration: Free for ASCLS members; $10 for non-members (guests).
ASCLS is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program.
From the Bench to Leadership
2026 Emerging Laboratory Managers Collaborative Conference (ELMC2)
November 13-14 | Virtual
Sign up by October 30 and Save
The Emerging Laboratory Managers Collaborative Conference (ELMC2) is designed specifically for medical laboratory professionals to help you prepare for and thrive in management roles.
Educational sessions will include:
- A Lab Leader’s Guide to Creating a Culture of Cybersecurity
- From Buddy to Boss: Navigating Relationships While Achieving Career Success
- Staffing Optimization: Practical Workforce Strategies for Laboratory Leaders
- The Secret Sauce of Mentorship and Onboarding on Retention and Happiness at Work
- And more!
ELMC2 provides two days of virtual programming (live and streamed for up to 30 days after the live event), up to 20 hours of P.A.C.E.® credit, networking events, access to an attendees-only online community, and follow up programming expected to take place 6-12 weeks after the conclusion of the virtual conference, as well as special meet-ups at the ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting next June.
Discounted group registration rates are available, $195 and under. For group registration, complete this form.
Attend ELMC2 for Free
The ASCLS Ascending Professionals Forum will award 10 registration scholarships, to attend the virtual Emerging Laboratory Managers Collaborative Conference (ELMC2) November 13-14, 2026, for free. Apply by October 31.
Get Insights from DCLS Leaders
Inaugural Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) Symposium
November 5-6, 2026 | Virtual
The future of laboratory medicine is evolving, and you have an opportunity to be part of it.
Join us at the inaugural ASCLS DCLS Symposium and hear from practicing DCLSs as they share real-world insights on:
- Navigating the DCLS journey
- Expanding career opportunities
- Conducting and publishing research
- Optimizing laboratory operations
- Emerging diagnostic technologies
- Interprofessional collaboration
From current students to experienced professionals, you’ll gain practical knowledge from leaders who are advancing patient care and laboratory medicine.
Get Ready for #LABtober
As we reach half a year away from Lab Week, the ASCLS Marketing and Communications Committee is hosting #LABtober, October 26-30, to help celebrate medical laboratory professionals all year round.
How to participate: Check out the calendar of daily prompts, and post visual content (photo, illustration, etc.) inspired by the prompt on Facebook or Instagram.
Attend Content Magic: Trick or Treat? – Marketing & Communications Workshop on Wednesday, October 28, at 7 pm ET. This skills share will cover the practical magic of planning media for your event, from save-the-dates and speaker announcements to day-of content and post-event highlights.
Tag #LABtober and @ASCLS on Facebook or @iamascls on Instagram so we can see all the fun you’re having. We look forward to seeing your creativity!
Save the dates for the 2027 Medical Laboratory Professionals Week: April 18-24.
CLEF Midterm Meet-up
October 27, 7 pm ET
The Clinical Laboratory Educators Forum (CLEF) Leadership Council invites you to join in a Midterm Meet-Up via Zoom.
Pull up a chair and grab your favorite beverage. Enjoy a relaxed evening of fun trivia and casual conversation to recharge and celebrate surviving the first half of the fall semester.
The CLEF engages and facilitates the involvement and interest of clinical laboratory educator members in the Society. Any ASCLS member can elect to join the CLEF.
2027 Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference
February 4-6 | Arlington, TX | Virtual
Registration is open for the 2027 Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference (CLEC).
CLEC is the most impactful annual gathering for faculty, administrators, directors, advisers, and all others dedicated to advancing medical laboratory education. More than a conference, CLEC is a collaborative community where educators come together to share ideas, solve challenges, and inspire one another.
CLEC offers flexibility to participate in the format that best fits your program, budget, and schedule. You have the option to attend CLEC either in-person at the Loews Arlington Hotel or virtually.
All educational sessions will be streamed live and recorded. Both in-person and virtual registrants will have access to all session recordings for at least 45 days after the event—about 40 hours of P.A.C.E.®-approved credit—as well as additional virtual content provided in the conference app. You choose which sessions and events you want to attend live and which recordings you will view later when the time is right. Design a CLEC schedule that fits your work and personal life.
A discounted early bird registration rate is available through December 2.
CLEC 2027 Scholarship Opportunity
The ASCLS Ascending Professionals Forum will award four $1,000 scholarships, to be used towards travel and registration for Ascending Professionals attending the 2027 Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference (CLEC) February 4-6, either in-person or virtually. Learn more.
AMA: How to Effectively Work with Other Members of the Healthcare Team
November 11, 7 pm ET | Virtual
Patient care depends on effective collaboration among healthcare professionals. This Ask Me Anything, hosted by the ASCLS Developing Professionals Forum, will explore practical strategies on how laboratory professionals can work successfully with other members of the healthcare team.
Panelists include Corie Hollingsworth, Laura Link, Leah Narans, and Stacey Robinson.
The Developing and Ascending Professionals Forums host AMAs on a variety of career-related topics. View a playlist of previous career advice AMAs on the ASCLS YouTube channel.
Share Your Experiences and Expertise at ASCLS Events
Call for 2027 Joint Annual Meeting Session Proposals
The Joint Annual Meeting Steering Committee is now accepting scientific session proposals for the 2027 ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting (JAM), to be presented June 14-16 in Buffalo, New York.
All confirmed speakers are eligible for registration discounts. You do not have to be an ASCLS, AGT, or SAFMLS member to submit a proposal, and multiple proposals may be submitted per speaker.
The JAM Steering Committee is looking for proposals that cover a diverse group of topics related to medical laboratory science, such as scientific advancements, best practices, management, and professional development.
This is a valuable opportunity for credentialed laboratory professionals to present at a national conference. Please invite laboratorians and colleagues who are compelling presenters and leaders in their field to submit session proposals as well.
ASCLS Expert/Speaker Directory
As ASCLS leaders begin planning programs for spring meetings, now is a great time to create or update you profile in the ASCLS Expert/Speaker Directory. ASCLS’s biggest asset is the wealth of expertise you bring to your work and your engagement with the Society. Showcase that subject matter expertise and talent with the Expert/Speaker Directory on ASCLS Connect.
To be included in the directory, click on the large blue button that reads “Complete Your Expert/Speaker Profile.”
There are two key areas that require as much detail as you can provide—Expert/Speaker Bio and the Presentations and Publications sections. If you add links to your presentation or publication descriptions, make sure the links have open access so those interested can read or view your previous presentations or publications.
ASCLS leaders and constituent societies, check out this searchable database on subject matter expertise to draw on for your activities.
Voices Under 40
Spotlight: Mark De Luna, DCLS, MLS(ASCP)CM, Gainesville, Florida
Mark is the MLS supervisor at AdventHealth Ocala in Ocala, Florida. His most recent accomplishment is the completion of his DCLS from Rutgers School of Health Professions (2025), where he previously received his Master of Science with Honors (Kugelman Honors Program 2018).
Mark is a remarkable person, with a levelheaded demeanor with ambition and passion for the medical laboratory science profession. His leadership skills set has been demonstrated with being chair of the ASCLS Nominations Committee, president of the Florida Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (FSCLS), and the Philippine Association Medical Technologist (PAMET-USA), as well as the Central Florida Chapter President. Mark reminds me of the Pithecophaga jefferyi (Philippine Eagle). A one-of-a-kind, majestic, brilliant, focused, capable creature. This eagle has a wingspan of almost seven feet, just like Mark who is capable of pretty much everything while demonstrating resilience and hope. Mark is a pioneer and not just for the MLS profession but also for the Filipino community. 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.
Latest Off the Bench Podcast Episode
Subscribe to the Off the Bench Podcast for discussions on scientific and not-so-scientific ideas in laboratory medicine. New episodes drop the last Friday of each month.
On the September 25 episode, Sophia Chandrasekar sat down with Dr. Letycia Nuñez-Argote, Dr. Tara C. Moon, and Dr. Juan Ulises Rojo, to learn about the Clinical Laboratory Science Journal. The three are associate editors of the CLS Journal, and they shared their advice and expertise on the importance of having a laboratory journal and how to start your own manuscript to submit to the CLS Journal.
Subscribe to the podcast through Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.
New Issue of Clinical Laboratory Science
CLS Journal Editor-in-Chief Cathy Otto is pleased to announce the first issue of Volume 39 (2026) of Clinical Laboratory Science was published this month. The issue includes seven articles.
To read an article, click on the title and then the pdf icon.
ASCLS Education & Research Fund Deck the Lab Silent Auction
Place Your Bids Nov 8-13
Raise money for medical laboratory science scholarships and research grants and start your holiday shopping with the ASCLS E&R Fund’s Deck the Lab 2026 Silent Auction. Win unique and lab-themed items while raising money for an important cause.
All money raised through Handmade for the Holidays goes to the ASCLS Education & Research Fund, Inc., which provides scholarships, research grants, and professional awards that assist in the growth of the medical laboratory science profession and enhances the essential services provided by laboratory professionals.
The E&R Fund is currently accepting donation items. All donations are welcome: handmade items, gift baskets, laboratory themed items, and jewelry, to name a few.
ASCLS Members Achieve International Recognition
Three ASCLS members received international recognition at the recent International Federation of Biomedical Science (IFBLS) conference in Chiba, Japan. ASCLS is a member of IFBLS.
Dr. Hassan Aziz, ASCLS past president, was elected as president of IFBLS.
Dr. Pat Tille, ASCLS past president, and Dr. Peter Hu, ASCLS past Scholarship Committee chair and past Molecular Scientific Assembly chair, were inducted into the IFBLS Fellowship, a highly selective group of which up to only five are inducted each year. Designated by the credential FIFBLS, the fellowship award is given to those who stimulate the striving for excellence within the field of biomedical lab science. Congratulations!
Latest Jobs
Supervisor, Lab
CHRISTUS HEALTH SYSTEM
Corpus Christi, Texas
Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Open Rank Professor
Michigan State Universtiy
East Lansing, Michigan
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings
Fairhope, Alabama
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 36,000 candidates.
Local Events
Minnesota POCT Autumn Get Together
October 26
Minneapolis, Minnesota
ASCLS-Montana Halloween Scientific Assembly and Social Hour
October 27
Virtual
ASCLS-Idaho Symposium Webinar
Advocacy, Legislature and Policies
October 29
ASCLS-North Carolina Fall Symposium
October 30
Raleigh, North Carolina
Fall Into Science with FSCLS
November 13
Orlando, Florida
ASCLS-Minnesota and ASCP Cozy Lab Collective
November 17
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Key Dates
Public Health Partnerships in Action: Cyclospora Outbreak Response
Webinar
October 29
Emerging Laboratory Managers Collaborative Conference Regular Registration Deadline
October 30
Joint Annual Meeting Session Proposal Deadline
November 1