Advocacy News

• AMA House of Delegates advances key priorities
• A fifth AMA delegate is within reach
• RESULTS Act surpasses 100 cosponsors
• Pathologist runs for Congress in Arkansas
• CAP supports NJ legislation on pre-hospital blood transfusions
• Podcast: Policy pressures shaping pathology's future
• Stay engaged with advocacy at CAP26

At the 2026 Annual Meeting of the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates, several policies were adopted.

The impact: Pathology priorities continue to gain traction through coordinated advocacy at the AMA.

• The AMA adopted policy addressing Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) and local coverage determination (LCD) processes, including CAP-initiated amendments calling on AMA support of federal legislation to improve the LCD process.
• Policy supporting standardized oversight and transparency for CLIA-exempt toxicology laboratories was adopted, with CAP-supported amendments to ensure clarity and understanding around the concerns.
• The AMA also adopted policy, sponsored by the CAP and other laboratory organizations, recognizing the clinical laboratory workforce shortage and supporting efforts to strengthen training and education programs.

The context: All three resolutions are now AMA policy, reflecting ongoing collaboration across specialty societies and advocacy channels.

What’s next: We will share more detailed coverage from the meeting in next week’s newsletter.

Pathology’s influence at the AMA is growing, and we’re closer than ever to expanding it.

The impact: The CAP has enough members who are also AMA members to retain four seats in the AMA House of Delegates.

• We’re within reach of securing a fifth delegate, which would further strengthen our influence.
• It would take fewer than 400 additional CAP members joining the AMA or renewing their membership to reach that next level.

Why now: A small increase can make a measurable difference.

• Each additional member increases pathology’s representation in national policy decisions.
• Bonus: As of this month, newly reduced AMA dues lower the barrier to joining.

At stake: Delegate representation shapes how strongly pathology is positioned on Medicare payment, scope of practice, and workforce policy.

Go deeper: Join the AMA today and help us secure a stronger seat at the table.

The RESULTS Act (HR 5269/S 2761) has reached a key milestone, with more than 100 bipartisan, bicameral cosponsors in Congress.

The impact: Growing support reflects momentum to reform Medicare’s clinical laboratory payment system and protect patient access to testing.

• The legislation would reform the clinical laboratory fee schedule.
• More than 100 members of Congress have now signed on across both chambers and parties.
• See if your member has cosponsored the bill in the House or Senate.
• Broad support from provider and patient organizations continues to build.

The impact: This milestone reflects sustained advocacy from CAP members, American Clinical Laboratory Association, and other coalition partners.

• This was a priority during HOD/PLS26, with CAP members advocating for the RESULTS Act during Hill Day meetings.
• Advocacy efforts, including outreach to Congress, continue to drive cosponsor support.
• Your engagement is helping move policy priorities forward.

What’s next: Continued outreach will be critical to advance the bill this year. You can help maintain momentum by reinforcing support with your elected officials.

CAP member Terri Yarbrough Green, MD, FCAP, is running for the US House of Representatives in Arkansas's 1st Congressional District. The general election is November 3.

The big picture: Dr. Green is a board-certified pathologist and laboratory medical director.

• She’s worked in hospitals and clinical laboratories throughout her career.
• She’s practiced in Arkansas for many years, including in rural communities.
• Her experience includes supporting diagnostic decision-making across a range of care settings.

The impact: Pathologists are increasingly stepping into public service and policy roles beyond the laboratory.

• Physicians from multiple specialties are running in congressional races.
• This trend reflects continued interest in shaping health policy and representing patient care perspectives.

Note: The CAP periodically shares updates about members engaged in public service for informational purposes only. It does not endorse, support, or oppose any candidate for public office.

The CAP and the New Jersey Society of Pathologists (NJSP) have issued a letter in support of Assembly Bill 4000/Senate Bill 4347, legislation that will improve health outcomes for New Jersey patients in urgent need of pre-hospital blood transfusions.

The impact: This legislation would authorize advanced life support providers, under medical oversight, to administer a blood product to a patient in a pre-hospital setting if:

• The patient exhibits signs and symptoms consistent with current clinical practice requiring administration of blood products.
• The advanced life support provider has completed a blood administration training program approved by the Department of Health.
• The administration follows established protocols approved by the Department of Health.

Go deeper: The CAP adopted an advocacy position last year to support legislation that improves timely access to blood transfusions

In a recent discussion, A. Joe Saad, MD, CPE, FCAP, and Carmen Gomez Fernandez, MD, FCAP, examine how policy challenges are affecting pathology.

The impact: Payment pressures, workforce shortages, and visa challenges are creating real risks for patient access to care.

• Medicare payment policies continue to strain laboratory sustainability.
• Workforce shortages, including visa-related barriers, limit capacity.
• These pressures can limit access to diagnostic services, particularly in underserved areas.

What they’re saying: Dr. Saad says it's very important for members to be actively involved, participate, and advocate for the profession.

It's our profession and we're also advocating for our patients. That's the most important thing we need to keep in mind is our advocacy first and foremost is for our patients to be able to receive the highest quality medical care, including pathology and laboratory services that they can possibly receive. In many areas, it becomes an access issue.

The takeaway: Policy challenges facing pathology are interconnected, and continued advocacy will be critical to addressing them.

Listen to the discussion

Advocacy is strongest when pathologists stay connected and informed. CAP26 offers opportunities to interact with your colleagues and with leaders on the issues shaping the profession.

The impact: Broad participation across the specialty helps advance pathology’s position on key policy issues.

• Issues such as Medicare payment, scope of practice, and workforce continue to shape the future of pathology.
• A strong, active community helps move our advocacy priorities forward.

What to expect: CAP26 creates space for advocacy conversations beyond formal sessions:

• Opportunities to meet with colleagues and CAP leaders
• Informal discussions on policy issues affecting pathologists
• Engagement opportunities that support advocacy efforts

Go deeper: Explore CAP26 and plan your visit.