AABB Urges Federal Action to Alleviate Laboratory Workforce Challenges

In response to a proposed rule that would expand laboratory testing personnel qualifications, AABB encouraged the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to consider solutions to bolster the current laboratory workforce rather than revise education requirements.

In an Aug. 26 letter to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, AABB recognized that the agency’s proposal to expand testing personnel qualifications is intended to help alleviate the shortages of laboratory personnel across the United States. However, AABB believes that adding a nursing degree without additional laboratory training or education to the testing personnel qualifications for high-complexity testing is not the right approach.

Rather, AABB suggested that CMS collaborate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Resources & Services Administration, and other federal agencies to enhance the workforce needed to support laboratories, including blood and biotherapy laboratories. AABB proposed the creation of a laboratory grant and training program that will address immediate staffing shortages, create a pipeline for the laboratory workforce, and promote professional development opportunities to support laboratory personnel retention long term.

In addition, AABB registered its support for the agency’s proposal to revise the language under 42 CFR 493.1463(b)(4) to clarify that the director or technical supervisor may delegate to the general supervisor “evaluating and documenting the competency of all testing personnel.”

AABB commended CMS for explicitly acknowledging that the general supervisor may perform both the semi-annual and annual competency assessments. AABB also suggested that CMS  revise the related sub-regulatory guidance to reflect this clarification.