April German, MLS(ASCP)CM, Westgard Sigma-QM, ASCLS Political Action Committee Chair
During my recent visit to Washington, D.C., I learned a lot about not only how a bill is created and passed, but also how important it is to build relationships with legislators and their staff. Participating in those one-on-one interactions sets the stage to foster valuable connections that ultimately benefit our profession. As I walked all over Capitol Hill for two days, meeting with staff members, I began to gain a better understanding of our government’s legislative procedure. Through this exercise I developed an appreciation for the significance of our role as citizens, taxpayers, and the power of our vote.
How do we give power to our voice; how do we make that happen?
By becoming a member of The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS). In politics, two things matter: votes and money. You may be asking, how does your membership directly benefit our profession? By joining ASCLS, you strengthen our collective voice in advocating for policies that affect our work environment and the future of our profession. ASCLS works to support lawmakers who champion our key issues and advocate on behalf of clinical laboratory professionals in Congress. Join us in actively engaging those that are champions for our causes. You can make a difference by showing up and making those personal connections with members of the Legislative Branch. Through your ASCLS membership, you not only support the advancement of our profession, but you also strengthen our collective voice in advocating for important legislative issues, like H.R. 9849.
Consider Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D-NC), who introduced the Medical Laboratory Personnel Shortage Relief Act (H.R. 9849) on September 25, 2024. Her sponsorship of this critical legislation illustrates the value of belonging to a Society that empowers its members. Members of ASCLS are educated about the status of bills that directly affect our profession and, in turn, our work conditions, compensation and benefits. All ASCLS members are encouraged to attend the Labvocate Symposium each year. You will spend a day with ASCLS’s federal lobbyist, congressional staff members, and seasoned leaders of ASCLS in preparation for your visit to Capitol Hill. During such events you are invited to use your expertise in our profession to effectively engage in important conversations with congressional leaders from your state. In the political arena and legislative boardrooms, it’s our collective influence that shapes decisions about funding and policy, amplifying our voice when it matters most.
How does this bill benefit me? How will this bill impact our profession and alleviate the burnout I’m experiencing?
Currently, many students are being turned away from MLS and MLT programs due to limited enrollment capacity. This bill would provide grants to educational institutions, allowing them to expand their programs. Additionally, the bill aims to include our profession in the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) program, which provides resources, such as loan repayment assistance to graduates who work in underserved communities.
One thing is certain for our profession: we must secure a well-deserved place at the table. Loan repayment assistance through the NHSC serves as a financial incentive for healthcare professionals, and if H.R.9849 passes, medical laboratory professionals will finally become eligible for this vital program. Through online education, individuals in underserved areas would have a viable financial path to improve their livelihoods without being overwhelmed by loan repayment plans. I spoke with a staff member who mentioned that the program has struggled to benefit underserved communities due to higher-paying jobs in larger institutions. To that, I say, let’s prove them wrong! Medical laboratory professionals are the backbone of diagnostic testing and play a crucial role in every community. It is vital that we are given the same opportunities and advantages as other healthcare professions.
However, without the support of Congress and widespread co-sponsorship, this legislation may not reach its full potential. By securing legislative co-sponsorship of key bills like H.R. 9849, we guarantee our voice has power. Consider your membership in ASCLS an investment in the future of our field and, in turn, an investment in yourself.
This is just one example of how pooling our resources through ASCLS membership supports our profession. By increasing our membership, we gain more backing for the professional advancements we all seek, better pay, and improved working conditions. When we stand together, we can achieve anything.
April German is Principal Consultant at Lab Connections in Joplin, Missouri.