In late July, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that would change educational requirements for laboratory directors in High Complexity laboratories certified by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), in addition to raising fees on participating laboratories. These changes in educational requirements for directors will lower the bar of entry for these positions, ultimately putting patients and healthcare at risk. Furthermore, raising fees on laboratories at a time when our clinical microbiology laboratories need it most would jeopardize lab operations and stall diagnostic testing.

ASM submitted comments to CMS opposing proposed changes to the current standards for degree requirements and board certifications for High Complexity Laboratory Directorship roles. ASM also raised concerns over CLIA-laboratory fee increases, as they will further harm financially challenged laboratories across the country.