Advocating on Behalf of Histology Professionals

NSH represents the interests of histologists by increasing the visibility of the profession among legislative and regulatory public policymakers. By building strategic partnerships and collaborating with allies, NSH can effectively influence the issues that affect our profession and shape the future of histology.  Click here to view and download NSH Position Papers.

Over the past several years, NSH and its allies have voiced concerns on several key issues including:

Histology Workforce Shortages

With techs retiring, and histology programs few and far between, histology is feeling the pressures of a workforce shortage. The problem is compounded by a lack of recognition for the histology profession, which can give potential techs the impression they'd be better off in a different field. Learn more. 

Medical and Public Health Laboratory Workforce Coalition

The pipeline of new persons entering laboratory careers is unable to meet current & projected needs. NSH is a member of the Medical and Public Health Laboratory Workforce Coalition—a coalition of 23 national and regional laboratory, pathology, and other healthcare associations— formed to work toward building a robust, more diverse medical laboratory workforce. Medical and public health laboratory professionals are critical to quality patient care, and it is essential that we address the downtrend in personnel to ensure we can continue to deliver high-quality patient care to all. Learn more at www.mphlcoalition.org

Histology Representation Under CLIA

Currently, histology is not recognized under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988. NSH recently responded to a request for information, proposing that histology be recognized under CLIA.  Learn more. 

Histopathology Technologists Standards of Practice by the Dept of Veteran Affairs

In the Spring of 2023, the Department of Veterans Affairs issued a request for information regarding new standards of practice for histologists.  NSH responded to the request  - the sent response can be read here. 

Fighting Cuts to Laboratory Testing Reimbursements

In November of 2019, NSH sent a letter to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield asking them to reconsider cuts to laboratory testing reimbursement rates that would be detrimental to both laboratories and patients. In January of 2020, NSH and ASCP met with Anthem to further discuss NSH's concerns. Read an update here. 

Protecting Access to Medicare Act

PAMA stands for The Protecting Access to Medicare Act. PAMA was passed in 2014, changing the way Medicare pays for, codes and covers clinical diagnostic laboratory tests, or CDLTs. Learn more.  

Want to get involved? Email histo@nsh.org to contribute your voice.