ASCLS: Eight Decades of Contribution to our Professional Evolution

ASCLS was organized in 1933 and incorporated in 1936.

In the 1940s, new issues evolved regarding professional independence

The 1950s were marked again by attempts to achieve professional status with attempts to upgrade educational/certification qualifications.

The 1960s were years of considerable controversy, primarily involving the ASCP Board of Schools, ASMT joined the International Association of Medical Laboratory Technologists and for over four decades has been looked to by other nations as the standard-holder in laboratory science associations.

In the 1970s ASMT grew considerably in numbers (more than 30,000 in 1976). Professional Acknowledgment for Continuing Education (P.A.C.E.®) for validating and documenting continuing education was introduced.

The 1980s saw more involvement in national politics and an unfulfilled attempt to unify two laboratory organizations, ASMT and AMT. The Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference (CLEC) was initiated, as well as the Legislative Symposium.

The 1990s saw ASMT become ASCLS and join forces with the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) in presenting one of the largest annual meetings of laboratorians in the country. It provided input to the National Labor Relations Board, which in 1995 recognized medical technologists among its "professional employees."

POLICY EVOLUTION

On 11/28/2018 ASCLS sent out an email “Labvocacy- Freeze PAMA Medicare cuts”, to members to urge Congress to pass “freeze-bridge” legislation to delay the next round of PAMA cuts. Please take the time to open and follow the easy path that has been provided. You will be able to reach out to your State Senators and Representatives and share your concerns about the negative, devastating impact the PAMA cuts will have to our laboratories and our profession.