Advocacy News

• CAP opposes gene patent bill, citing harms to health care and innovation
• Ongoing government shutdown hits FDA, CDC staffing, programs
• CAP board appoints Akshay Patel as interim CEO starting later this month
• Online media training sessions planned in November, December
• CAP members in the media: Pathologists share their expertise

The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act (PERA), which the CAP has warned could hinder health care innovation and patient care.

Senate hearing insights: The October 8 hearing included testimony to address the clarity of patent law, as well as witnesses with differing views on PERA's potential impact on innovation and health care.

• While some support PERA for restoring clarity, the CAP and others warn it could stifle progress and harm patient care by allowing patents on natural phenomena.
• Despite objections from stakeholders, Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) are intent on moving their bill forward. Sen. Tillis indicated a willingness to address some concerns.

Our advocacy: The CAP has cautioned that PERA would overturn Supreme Court precedent and increase costs for patients by restricting genetic testing capabilities. 

• Pathologists can urge lawmakers to oppose PERA by sending a message to Congress from our Action Center.

There has been no movement to reopen the government as the Senate has failed to pass a House-backed funding resolution.

We've previously reviewed staffing levels for the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) during a shutdown. 

The FDA continues essential surveillance activities, but lacks the authority to accept user fees until appropriations are enacted.

• During a shutdown, the FDA retains 86% of its workforce, while 14% are furloughed.
• Among those retained, 66% are funded or exempt from furlough, and 19% are considered essential for activities necessary for human safety. 

Meanwhile, the CDC has furloughed more than half its staff of 8,700 workers. The CDC also continues monitoring for disease outbreaks and other essential functions.

• On October 10, the White House announced thousands of additional layoffs affecting HHS, CDC, and other federal agencies.
• However, by October 12, the administration was working to call back employees who were errantly let go.

The Board of Governors has unanimously named Akshay Patel as interim chief executive officer, effective October 28.

The appointment comes as outgoing CEO Michael Fraser, PhD, prepares to lead another physician association. Mr. Patel will lead the CAP during this transition period, with the Board emphasizing its confidence in his ability to keep the organization focused on its mission.

• Mr. Patel currently serves as a senior vice president and chief operating officer at the CAP.
• He brings extensive experience with membership programs, laboratory quality initiatives, finance, and information systems.

"The CAP Officers and Board of Governors have full confidence in Akshay's leadership and his ability to advance our mission," said CAP President Qihui "Jim" Zhai, MD, FCAP. "Under Akshay’s guidance, the CAP will continue serving patients, pathologists, and laboratories through programs and services that advance excellence in pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide.

Learn how to handle tough questions from journalists during a series of virtual media trainings planned for later this year.

The focus: These complimentary sessions for CAP members cover the basics of media interviews and how best to prepare. We’ll include best practices and real examples from other CAP fellows.

Skills to master:

• Adapt your tone and style for different audiences and media formats.
• Master interview techniques for print, broadcast, and online platforms.
• Learn how the media works and what journalists look for in their interviews.
• Develop clear, concise, and compelling messages.

Register for an upcoming session (each offers identical insights) at a time that best fits your schedule:

• Wednesday, November 12: 11:00 AM–12:15 PM CT
• Tuesday, November 18: 5:00–6:15 PM CT
• Friday, December 5: 9:00–10:15 AM CT
• Wednesday, December 10: 2:00–3:15 PM CT

Media activity has picked up in the last month with CAP25 coverage.

Outlets writing about our annual meeting included Medscape, Oncology Learning Network, and OncoDaily.

2025 has been a banner year so far: Through September, more than 150 media requests for interviews with CAP spokespersons. Here are a few of the latest interviews:

• Medscape: Brian R. Jackson, MD, MS, FCAP, commented on a thyroid intervention poster about optimizing thyroid function testing.
• Afro News: Christina Barriteau, MD, MPH, FCAP, discussed the importance of Black blood donors to the community.
• 360Dx/GenomeWeb: Diana M. Cardona, MD, MBA, FCAP, addressed the recent OIG report urging labs to ensure access to testing during public health emergencies.