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During this period of healthcare reform, there are potential changes on the horizon that might have a profound effect on your career in the healthcare industry. Fortunately, ASCLS is on your side. It is actively seeking to ensure “quality clinical laboratory services, access to those services, and equitable reimbursement.”*

In the past, ASCLS has successfully lobbied against such proposals as competitive bidding and copays for lab services. The organization keeps members informed through emails and articles like the “Washington Beat” in every issue of Clinical Laboratory Science and provides easy access to legislators via the “ASCLS Advocacy Center” at http://www.ascls.org/currentevents/index.asp. ASCLS also facilitates the annual Legislative Symposium in which members of various lab organizations from across the country join forces in Washington D.C. to learn about the issues and take them straight to their representatives and senators. The 2010 symposium is set for March 15-16.

I’d like to welcome our newest members to this great organization. Rest assured that the future of your profession is in good hands with ASCLS.

Kirsten Bishop – Schererville, IN

Kathleen Kaysen – Orland Park

Donna Munson – Warrenville

Kaitlin Vasatka – O’Fallon

Debbie Wollenberg – Sleepy Hollow

*Quoted from “ASCLS House of Delegates Passes Health Care Reform Resolution,” an article by Rick Panning in the October 2009 edition of ASCLS Today.

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