27/12/2023
This is copied from ASCLS forum. While we truly appreciate the huge role of nurses in medicine, laboratory trained professionals are the experts in the lab. We are proud to be members of ASCLS, and this society worked with sister organizations for proper reprenstation of laboratory professionals like us! Get involved and be a part of something bigger than yourself!
“Later this week, the final rules related to personnel regulations, originally proposed in 2022 will be published by CMS. It will be clear that our whole community of medical laboratory professionals had a significant impact on the final outcome. This is several hundred pages in length and has many facets, which will require substantial analysis, but all of you should be very pleased with this outcome.
CMS has changed its proposed rule that would have defined a nursing degree as equivalent to a biological sciences degree, which the clinical laboratory community, for many years, has demonstrated was incorrect. In response, CMS will create a separate pathway and educational requirements for those with nursing degrees to become moderate complexity testing personnel. "However, individuals with nursing degrees will no longer be able to qualify as LDs as nursing is not listed as a qualifying degree under revised § 493.1405(b)." Note: there are some grandfathering provisions.
Expanded the definition of continuing education beyond the physician-centric term "CME." This recognizes the growing role and influence of non-physicians within clinical laboratories.
Strengthened and clarified requirements and documentation for training and experience for those working in moderate and high complexity testing.
Confirmed that the DCLS degree will be accepted as qualifying for High Complexity Laboratory Director. Note: all non-physician doctoral degrees require board certification. The DCLS certification is currently under development by the Board of Certification.
Removed "physical science" as a qualifying degree type from the traditional list that includes ""chemical, physical or biological science or medical laboratory technology" degrees. CMS is creating an algorithm that reviews documented coursework for those who have non-traditional degrees to determine qualification.
Helped to advance the profession's efforts to bring standardization to our nomenclature.
Several commenters noted the 2022 decision by AMT, ASCP, and ASCLS to change the MT certification designation to MLS. The commenters suggested that medical laboratory science should be used in addition to clinical laboratory science throughout the CLIA personnel qualifications. We agree with the commenters that medical laboratory science should be included in the revised personnel qualifications. We are incorporating the change suggested by the commenters where applicable in revised § 493.1405 and other applicable sections of subpart M.
The rule will become law on January 28, 2024, which will be one month after official publication.
Because of the work of so many within our community to protect patients, 2024 will raise standards for clinical laboratories under CLIA. This would not have occurred without ongoing investment and commitment of groups like ASCLS and our dedicated members.
Congratulations to you all.
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Jim Flanigan, CAE
Executive Vice President
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)”
