The bipartisan Medical Laboratory Personnel Shortage Relief Act of 2025 (HR.R. 5444) has been introduced by Congresswomen Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Jen Kiggans (VA-02).
The bill will help establish a federal grant program to increase the capacity of the U.S. to train those with an interest in laboratory science. These grants will also help programs recruit necessary faculty. For the 2023-2024 academic year, thousands of applicants to MLS and MLT programs were unable to enroll because of limited capacity in many programs.
The bill will also make laboratory professionals eligible for the National Health Service Corp. This program requires a period of obligated service for recipients in a designated health professional shortage area in exchange for assistance with education loan repayment.
The volume of clinical laboratory testing in the U.S. is growing substantially. Estimates suggest that more than 13 billion laboratory tests are performed annually. A recent study by YouGov reports that 99 percent of physicians agree clinical lab testing is an integral part of the healthcare system, with 98 percent noting they had modified a diagnosis or care plan based on test outcomes. Doctors also reported that laboratory insights streamline the use of other healthcare resources.
“In North Carolina and nationwide, clinical lab professionals were on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their expertise remains essential today in areas like opioid and fentanyl testing, drug screening in social service programs, and criminal forensics,” said Congresswoman Ross. “This legislation will create more high-skilled, good paying jobs by increasing support for training, recruitment, and retention of clinical lab professionals. This important proposal will also reduce diagnostic wait times, improve preventative care, and lower the risk of errors. While there are some leaders in Washington who attack the vital work that public health workers do every day, this legislation represents a needed, bipartisan investment in our public health and our invaluable laboratory workforce.”
“As a nurse practitioner, I know that access to quality health care depends on having the right professionals in place at every level,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “That’s why I’m proud to join Congresswoman Deborah Ross on the Medical Laboratory Personnel Shortage Relief Act. This important legislation will add medical laboratory professionals to the National Health Service Corps and provide grants to accredited institutions to train more laboratory scientists and technicians.
“Our nation faces a severe shortage of clinical laboratory professionals—a problem that will only worsen as our population ages. Without enough trained experts, our clinical labs cannot keep pace with the growing demand and complexity of medical testing, which is essential for diagnosing and treating patients. Investing in our medical laboratory workforce strengthens our health system, supports patients, and ensures we are prepared to meet future challenges.”