Anne L. Tate, MBA, MHI, MLS(ASCP), SC, ASCLS-Montana President-Elect

Anne Tate

As I reflect on how we can transform advocacy into a powerful movement, I keep returning to one question: How can one person become a change agent? And more importantly, how can we come together to create lasting change?

For me, one such pivotal moment was attending the annual ASCLS Labvocate Symposium in Washington, D.C. This event provides ASCLS members with a platform to advocate for the clinical laboratory profession, engage with legislators, and be part of meaningful change.

On October 1, 2024, I had the privilege of returning to the Labvocate Symposium, and once again, I was deeply inspired. My respect for the legislative process has only grown, as each interaction reinforced how vital our role is in shaping healthcare policy and ensuring the future of clinical laboratories.

But the journey to the Labvocate Symposium begins long before the event itself. In August, I began preparing my advocacy points, tapping into resources like the ASCLS Labvocate website and consulting with my state society. I reached out to my state senators and house representatives, crafting emails that outlined the importance of our message and included links to key ASCLS documents.

Despite the busy nature of an election year, I was thrilled to see every single one of my Montana state legislators respond. We arranged meetings in D.C. on October 1, where I had the opportunity to present our laboratory legislative initiatives. I was struck by the genuine interest of their staff, who expressed appreciation for the information and demonstrated a strong commitment to understanding the issues impacting clinical laboratories, particularly in rural and underserved areas like Montana.

These face-to-face meetings were more than just discussions—they were powerful moments of education and connection. By sharing how crucial laboratory services are to patient care, especially in rural areas, I was able to show our legislators the direct impact of their decisions. These interactions serve as a reminder of how we, as laboratorians, play a critical role in healthcare and the lives of patients across the country.

Advocacy: A Spark for Change

These experiences reinforced my belief that advocacy can indeed ignite a movement. When we engage with our legislators, share our expertise, and build meaningful relationships, we create momentum that leads to positive change. But this movement needs more voices—more individuals willing to step up and make their voices heard.

Now is the time to expand our collective efforts within ASCLS. We must inspire our current members, reach out to those who might be interested in joining us, and welcome the next generation of laboratorians into our community. Our mission is clear, and our goals are within reach:

  1. Establish a Fair Laboratory Fee Schedule via the SALSA Act – This bipartisan bill aims to create an equitable system for determining sustainable Medicare test fees for laboratories, ensuring that the reimbursement rates align with the actual costs of providing critical lab services.
  2. Secure Funding for Laboratory Schools and Students – This proposed legislation seeks to include medical laboratory professionals in the National Health Service Corps, offering grants to accredited institutions that train the lab personnel we so desperately need.
How You Can Join the Movement

The good news is that you don’t need to wait for a special event to start making an impact. You have the power to advocate for change today. Here are a few ways you can get involved:

  • Become an ASCLS MemberJoin us today and be part of a community of professionals dedicated to advancing the laboratory profession.
  • Volunteer as a Labvocate Ambassador – Help represent ASCLS in your state or local constituency by volunteering as a Labvocate Ambassador. This role provides you with the tools and resources to advocate on behalf of laboratory professionals.
  • Engage with ASCLS PAC – ASCLS members have the opportunity to become an Observer or Board Member of the ASCLS PAC, influencing the direction of advocacy efforts at the national level.
  • Urge Your Legislators to Act – Use the ASCLS Advocate Center to contact your state and federal legislators, encouraging them to co-sponsor key bills like the Medical Laboratory Personnel Relief Act, which would support funding for laboratory education and workforce development.

Let’s Make Change Together

I invite you to join me in becoming part of this advocacy journey. Together, we can amplify our voices and turn these critical moments of advocacy into a powerful movement. By engaging with legislators and sharing our knowledge, we don’t just raise awareness; we build the connections and momentum necessary to reshape our healthcare system for the better.

Let’s continue to inspire one another and make a lasting impact on our profession and the communities we serve. This is our moment to advocate for the future of clinical laboratories. Will you join us?

Anne L. Tate is Principal of Talking Laboratories, Workflow, IT and Compliance/Regulatory Expert, in Bigfork, Montana.

ASCLS Political Action Committee

“By engaging with legislators and sharing our knowledge, we don’t just raise awareness; we build the connections and momentum necessary to reshape our healthcare system for the better.”

How You Can Join the Movement

The good news is that you don’t need to wait for a special event to start making an impact. You have the power to advocate for change today. Here are a few ways you can get involved:

  • Become an ASCLS MemberJoin us today and be part of a community of professionals dedicated to advancing the laboratory profession.
  • Volunteer as a Labvocate Ambassador – Help represent ASCLS in your state or local constituency by volunteering as a Labvocate Ambassador. This role provides you with the tools and resources to advocate on behalf of laboratory professionals.
  • Engage with ASCLS PAC – ASCLS members have the opportunity to become an Observer or Board Member of the ASCLS PAC, influencing the direction of advocacy efforts at the national level.
  • Urge Your Legislators to Act – Use the ASCLS Advocate Center to contact your state and federal legislators, encouraging them to co-sponsor key bills like the Medical Laboratory Personnel Relief Act, which would support funding for laboratory education and workforce development.