Unique Opportunity to Make a Difference

Medical Laboratory Personnel Shortage Relief Act of 2024 (H.R.9849) Introduced

The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) is pleased to announce the introduction of critical legislation by Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC) to improve the supply of qualified medical laboratory scientists (MLS) and medical laboratory technicians (MLT) throughout our nation and health care system. "Federal investment in our clinical laboratory workforce is desperately needed," stated ASCLS President Pat Tille, Ph.D. MLS(ASCP) AHI(AMT) FACSc. "Today the pool is already seriously short of what is needed and is estimated to become critical as the U.S. population ages."

Estimates suggest that around 13 billion laboratory tests are performed annually. These tests account for about 70% of all medical decisions made in healthcare settings, emphasizing the critical role lab testing plays in diagnostics and treatment plans. Ensuring access to quality health care services demands that the health care system have an adequate supply of MLS and MLT professionals.
The Medical Laboratory Personnel Shortage Relief Act of 2024 (H.R.9849), introduced by Rep. Ross, would establish a program of loan repayment for laboratory personnel by ensuring they are eligible for the National Health Service Corp. The loan repayment program shall include a period of obligated service for recipients in a designated health professional shortage area. It would also help establish a federal grant program to assist allied health schools in recruiting and retaining students with an interest in laboratory science. Such grants will also help programs recruit necessary faculty and provide clinical training required to enter the profession.
"Clinical lab professionals played a critical role during the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and they continue to serve a variety of indispensable public health functions, including opioid screenings, fentanyl testing, drug testing in social service settings, criminal forensics, and much more," said Congresswoman Ross. "By increasing support for training, recruitment, and retention of clinical lab professionals, this legislation will create more high-skilled, good-paying jobs for American workers. In addition, this bill will strengthen our health care system by reducing diagnostic wait times, enhancing preventative care, and minimizing the likelihood of diagnostic errors. The Medical Laboratory Personnel Shortage Relief Act represents a needed investment in our public health and our invaluable laboratory workforce."
Over the decade, there are expected to be about 24,200 job openings each year, primarily due to the need to replace workers who retire or leave the field. According to the most recent data from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), around 4,246 students graduated from accredited MLS programs in 2022. Approximately 4,380 students graduated from MLT programs.

Advocacy for this bill will be a centerpiece of the upcoming Labvocate Symposium in Alexandria, Virginia. All ASCLS members are strongly encouraged to spread the word and take action to secure support from their Representatives and Senators. Visit the Labvocate Action Center.

Information provided by ASCLS.