Supercharge Your Inner Advocate: Our Laboratory Profession Needs Your Voice

Participating in the legislative process can change your perspective on the power of community, partnership, and unity. I recently attended The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) 2022 Laboratory Legislative Symposium in Washington D.C. Even as a veteran medical technology informaticist, professional laboratory consultant and member of the ASCLS Montana chapter, this experience was one of the highlights of my career.

The Symposium’s educational sessions and panel discussions gave me, and my fellow ASCLS advocates the tools and the confidence to lobby laboratory issues through the federal legislative process. I was proud to stand with my peers and lend my voice to the important issues of our profession. 

Participating in the legislative process super-charged my inner advocate for our profession and gave me an opportunity to appreciate our democracy in action. Many have said that taking part in the legislative process even for a day changes your perspective on the impact of advocating for an important cause.

Advocacy, of course, need not mean a trip to Washington. The Symposium highlighted other efforts, and levers of influence, including organized local advocacy where anyone can contribute to help make a difference.

The ASCLS Symposium’s Levers of Influence

Individual advocacy is more powerful than we think. Take the time to promote the laboratory profession and its contribution to healthcare. This includes all aspects of life – among family, friends, and within our professional networks. Who knows? You could inspire the next generation of laboratory workers.

Advocation starts with grassroots participation. It takes a village to create change. Joining professional organizations that push for action helps build momentum that can get attention. Simple ‘shoe-leather’ lobbying with Congress is one of the most effective methods in getting the message heard.

Organizational unity drives change. When all members are aligned, that groundswell of support and unity starts to drive change. We need strong state laboratory organizations to participate in the advocacy process by writing letters, signing petitions, and commenting on legislative drafts released to the public.

Coalition & partnership building across organizations is key to gaining industry consensus. As we know, the laboratory community is diverse. A number of different organizations represent it. When these organizations can partner with one another, such as between American Medical Technologist (AMT), the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), and National Independent Laboratory Association (NILA), their impact is greater. They can share resources, messaging, and membership support, leading to a higher success rate in achieving lasting change.

What can you do

I highly encourage all of you ASCLS members out there to take advantage of any opportunity to advocate for our profession through our government officials or directly to the public. Many voices make all the difference as we try to manage through the once-in-a-generation transformational change we are experiencing today.

What can you do RIGHT NOW

Join ASCLS in urging Congress to protect patient access to essential laboratory services by passing the SALSA Act (Savings Access to Laboratory Services Act -S.4449/H.R. 8111). Unless Congress acts by December 31, 2022, the laboratory will experience deep and significant testing reimbursement cuts that take effect on January 1, 2023. This threatens patient access to crucial testing and laboratory services.

Access the ASCLS campaign here to learn about the SALSA Act and what you can do to lend your voice and support the passage of this important act.