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- CAP, New York pathologists push back on scope-of-practice creep
The CAP and the New York State Society of Pathologists (NYSSP) are opposing a New York State Department of Health proposal that would expand histotechnologist duties with only "minimal supervision."
- The proposal would allow histotechnologists to "process histopathology specimens … with minimal supervision by the laboratory director, technical director, or supervisor."
The impact: We’ve cautioned New York regulators that this language weakens patient safety protections around grossing.
- CAP and NYSSP are urging the state to revise the scope so that "grossing of pathology specimens be conducted under direct supervision by a licensed physician who practices anatomic pathology."
- We emphasize that macroscopic examination and dissection ("grossing") are high-complexity testing steps that influence diagnosis and treatment decisions.
What we're saying: "We believe quality laboratory medicine in New York is best served by adoption of the proposed regulatory amendment as submitted by NYSSP," wrote CAP President Qihui "Jim" Zhai, MD, FCAP.
Next steps: The New York State Department of Health will review all submitted comments before issuing a final rule.
Go deeper: Our comments point to existing law and national standards that recognize the need for direct physician oversight.