Advocacy News

• Connecticut pathologists secure amendment to genetic testing legislation
• CAP engages with HRSA on pathologist workforce projections
• Amplify your advocacy at HOD/PLS26
• Virginia passes legislation allowing delayed release of certain pathology test results
• CAP responds to federal RFI on diagnostic imaging standards

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the Connecticut Society of Pathologists (CSP) secured an amendment to Connecticut legislation regulating direct‑to‑consumer genetic testing, protecting such testing ordered for patient care.

Background: Connecticut House Bill 5128 defined direct‑to‑consumer genetic testing companies in a way that could have unintentionally included genetic tests ordered by licensed clinicians for diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment.

What happened: Former CSP President Christine Minerowicz, MD, FCAP, testified February 18 alongside the Connecticut State Medical Society and the Connecticut Hospital Association, urging lawmakers to clarify the bill.

Impact: On March 11, the committee approved substitute language confirming that direct‑to‑consumer genetic testing companies do not include licensed clinicians ordering genetic tests for medical purposes.

• Protects diagnostic genetic testing used in patient care
• Avoids potential conflicts with CLIA requirements

A proposal to require mandatory proficiency testing for consumer genetic tests was not included in the amendment.

Go deeper: Watch Dr. Minerowicz’s testimony

The CAP met with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), along with consultants who develop physician supply‑and‑demand models, to discuss how national workforce projections can better reflect today’s pathology workforce.

Why it matters: HRSA projections influence specialty shortage designations, policy decisions, and funding priorities.

Key points the CAP raised:

• The fixed number of pathology residency (GME) positions limits workforce growth.
• International medical graduates (IMGs) play a significant role in sustaining the pathology workforce.
• Demand for pathology and laboratory services continues to outpace supply.

What’s next: HRSA requested additional data and analysis. The CAP will continue engaging to ensure pathology workforce needs are accurately represented.

Attending the House of Delegates & Pathologists Leadership Summit 2026 (HOD/PLS26)? A new social media toolkit makes it easy to share advocacy messages and connect with colleagues online.

What's included: Ready‑to‑use graphics, sample posts, and event hashtags to highlight Summit moments and advocacy priorities.

Why it matters: Sharing your perspective helps raise awareness of issues affecting pathologists and laboratories while strengthening the advocacy community.

Go deeper: Download the HOD/PLS26 social media toolkit and start sharing.

Virginia lawmakers passed House Bill 973, which will allow health systems to delay the electronic release of certain pathology and genetic test results to patients for up to 72 hours. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.

Why it matters: Responsibility for managing the delay would rest with the entity operating the electronic health record (EHR) system—not with the pathologist or laboratory.

Key provisions:

• Applies to results that may indicate malignancy or reveal genetic markers.
• Allows earlier release when in the patient’s best interest, when systems can’t technically hold results, or when patients request immediate access.

Big picture: The bill aligns with the CAP’s model advocacy position that assigns regulatory responsibility to EHR administrators.

• If enacted, Virginia would become the fifth state to adopt this approach, joining Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee, and Montana.
• The legislation clarifies that early release would not create civil, criminal, administrative, or professional liability.

The CAP has submitted comments to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in response to a request for information on Diagnostic Imaging Interoperability Standards and Certification, explaining why the proposal does not apply to pathology practice.

Bottom line: Pathology centers on the analysis of patient biospecimens, with the pathology report serving as the primary clinical deliverable. While digital pathology supports workflow efficiency and consultation, images are rarely used directly by clinicians or patients to make care decisions.

CAP's response: The letter addresses limited adoption of digital pathology, infrastructure costs, workforce considerations, and the CAP’s leadership in advancing DICOM® standards for interoperable digital pathology.

Go deeper: Read the full letter.