Home - ASCLS-Mid Atlantic

OUR STORY

Welcome to the new website for ASCLS Mid-Atlantic. This new constituent society represents ASCLS members from the Capital Area Society, Delaware, and Maryland. These three societies have joined together to better represent members in our region and work together in partnership to support the laboratory profession.

OUR VISION

Advancing laboratory professionals to advance healthcare; quality clinical laboratory service is central to safe, effective, patient-centered healthcare. Competent, credentialed laboratory professionals are vital to diagnosis, and treatment, and necessary in healthcare.

OUR Mission

To promote the importance and significance of clinical laboratory science in diagnosis, and treatment, with patient-centered care.
To enhance the professional status and image of its members.
To create mutual understanding and cooperation among the Society and its members, as well as all others who are engaged in the interest of individual and public health.
To represent the interest of the clinical laboratory and affiliated professions, and the members of the Society in government and other forums that affect those interests.
To establish and promote ethical standards for clinical laboratory science professions.
To promote the mutual aid and benefits of its members.
To provide a mechanism whereby continuing education will be available.

Announcements List

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ASCLS Stance on Vaccine Access

In response to changing federal seasonal vaccine standards, ASCLS President Kyle Riding has issued a statement to the members of ASCLS:

ASCLS Believes that Vaccine Access is Good Health Policy

Hello ASCLS Community,

At our mid-year House of Delegates meeting in January 2025, several position statements to guide our advocacy efforts were discussed. There was strong consensus around these statements - which now form the foundation of our advocacy agenda for the 119th Congress. One of those positions states that, "ASCLS will oppose efforts to weaken vaccination standards via the regulatory or sub regulatory process."

Let me be clear: ASCLS stands firmly behind this position and continues to monitor issues that impact vaccine standards.

We are currently reviewing the implications of newly released federal vaccine standards for seasonal respiratory viruses and assessing their potential impact on community health this winter.

At the same time, we've seen concerning news that a state has chosen to end its mandate for childhood vaccination programs that have safeguarded millions of lives. These decisions erode foundational public health practices and pose risks to the communities we serve.

These changes don't just affect the health and wellness of our communities -they directly impact our profession.

Imagine needing to rapidly test for vaccine-preventable illnesses once considered rare or eradicated. Consider the strain on laboratories as we face increased testing demands and the challenge of protecting immunocompromised patients. Think of the toll on our colleagues already navigating staffing shortages and reimbursement pressures.

This is not about politics-it's about sound health policy. Our advocacy agenda reflects our community's deep understanding of the consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases. ASCLS will continue to monitor these developments and, when appropriate, join coalitions that support policies protecting public health.

I'll close with a statement made last week by Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) during a discussion with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, "I would say effectively we are denying people vaccines."

ASCLS stands with Senator Cassidy and all leaders who advocate for strong vaccination policies that protect the health and safety of our communities.

Yours in Service,

Kyle

ASCLS Mid-Atlantic appreciates the stance of our parent organization.