On February 6, on behalf of the Washington State Society of Pathologists (WSSP), and in consultation with the CAP, Dominique Coco, MD, FCAP, urged the Washington State Senate Higher Education and Workforce Committee, to support Senate Bill 5523, which would establish a statewide forensic pathologist loan repayment program. The CAP works closely with state pathology societies to advocate on behalf of the specialty. The legislation addresses forensic pathologist shortages in Washington State by offering loan repayments up to $25,000 annually for board-certified forensic pathologists providing forensic services in underserved and rural areas.

Additionally, the bill mandates a legislative report in coordination with the Washington State Department of Health and Washington’s Coroners and Medical Examiners Association to study the shortages of forensic pathologists, Conrad 30 J-1 visa waivers, local university forensic pathology programs, and other considerations to bolster the profession.

Dr. Coco explained that “SB 5523 importantly brings attention to the shortage of forensic pathologists in our state, a problem that has grown worse over the last decade…This stems from two trends: More death investigations as the result not only of additional deaths related to the pandemic but also an upward trajectory of homicides, overdoses, and even traffic-related fatalities. At the same time, the country is simply not training enough forensic pathologists to keep up with the workload.

“It is vital that we enact policies that helps attract physicians in training to the field of forensic pathology. We applaud your efforts in presenting this loan forgiveness program as one of the policies to bolster the ranks of forensic pathologists in Washington State and also support the proposed study.”

The bill awaits further consideration in the Washington Senate Ways and Means Committee.