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OUR STORY

Originally recognized as the West Virginia Society of Medical Technologists by the State of West Virginia on March 17, 1948, the society has undergone a series of name changes throughout the years to better align with the evolution of professional titles and to adhere to national bylaws of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS).  In 1973, the constituent society name was revised to the West Virginia State Society for Medical Technology, Inc., and on August 16, 1994, the name was again changed to The West Virginia Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, Inc. 

Today, the West Virginia Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (WVSCLS) is one of several constituent societies representing what is referred to as the Region II Council of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.  Other Region II constituent societies include Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington DC. 

With strong ties to professional advocacy, the WVSCLS played a key role in the initial passage of state legislation that requires clinical laboratory professionals to be licensed.  

OUR VISION

The West Virginia Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (WVSCLS) imagines a future where the clinical laboratory profession is widely recognized and appreciated for its vital role in healthcare. We aim to be a strong voice for the profession, championing patient safety, high-quality, patient-focused care, and excellence in laboratory practices to benefit both the public and the healthcare system.

OUR MISSION

  • To advance the clinical laboratory profession through education, advocacy, and other activities that promote the profession. 
  • To advocate for patient safety, as well as high-quality and patient-centered healthcare.
  • To ensure the highest standards of laboratory practice through leadership, education, and collaboration.
  • To represent the profession and society members with regard to government legislation impacting licensure and all other issues that may affect clinical laboratories, patients, or the health care system. 
  • To establish and uphold ethical standards for all clinical laboratory science professions.
  • To foster mutual support and benefits among members of the society. 
  • To provide quality continuing education opportunities for laboratory professionals. 

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

The WCSCLS supports the stance of our parent organization and encourages members to advocate for policies that address public health concerns.