Cytopathnet-L MIME testing, draft resolution for medical societies US-specific
Ed Uthman
Wed Mar 9 08:22:25 PST 2005

Hi, everyone,

The following has been suggested as a draft resolution for our state medical society (referred to as "TMA" below). This was written by a non-pathologist physician, and I think it's actually pretty good. I have made only a few superficial changes. Comments?

BEGIN DRAFT 3/9/05

Resolution to Update CLIA 88 to modern times.

Whereas, CLIA 88 created a rigid and specific mandate to test pathologists and cytotechnologists who examine pap smears, and

Whereas, the standards for evaluation of pap smears have changed since CLIA 88 was enacted, and thus CLIA 88 requires testing on an outdated and abandoned classification system, and

Whereas, The College of American Pathologists (CAP), and the American Society of Clinical Pathologists(ASCP), as well as state agencies, have been operating programs of cytology proficiency testing for years, updating these programs as science advances, and

Whereas, CLIA 88 has created an expensive unfunded mandate ($1,500 for each laboratory plus $75 for each cytology screener and pathologist) which tests an old abandoned classification system,

Resolved, that the TMA opposes further implementation of CLIA 88 to promote an outdated and abandoned system of proficiency testing, and supports allowing the up-to-date scientifically proven proficiency testing as developed by the CAP or ASCP to satisfy the proficiency testing requirement.

Resolved, that a similar resolution be forwarded to the AMA, for consideration by the Council on Legislation that the outdated portions of this law can be changed.

END DRAFT 3/9/05

 
Ed Uthman, MD
Pathologist, Houston/Richmond, Texas, USA
Web site:
E-mail: mailto:uthman at airmail.net