Scope of Practice

Background

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) is committed to protecting pathologists' scope of practice from encroachment from allied health professionals. The CAP works with Congress, federal regulatory agencies, medical organizations, including the American Medical Association (AMA), and state legislatures to ensure laboratory personnel, genetic counselors, and pharmacists have a scope of practice consistent with their education and training.

• Read the CAP’s January 2020 comments submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on scope of practice.

CAP Resources

CAP Policy

• Certification of Death
• Definition of Pathology
• Determination of Appropriate Clinical and Anatomic Laboratory Services  
• Genetic Counselor Scope of Practice and Genetic Testing
• Model Medical Examiner Legislation  
• Pathologists' Assistants
• Pathologists Scope of Practice
• Pharmacist Scope of Practice and Laboratory Testing Responsibility

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to questions about CAP's state model criteria

Model Criteria

This information guides the CAP's decisions on whether to support or oppose medical licensure legislation introduced in the states. It helps support the efforts of clinical laboratory personnel who seek to be licensed, and, at the same time, ensures that the legislative language in every licensure bill will address the CAP's key concerns.

• CAP Model Criteria for State Licensure of Clinical Laboratory Personnel

- Login and CAP Membership Required.