CLMA Led Effort To Get Legislation Introduced To Modernize Lab Fee Schedule

The Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA) and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) applaud the leadership of Representatives Bart Stupak (D-MI) and Michael Burgess (R-TX) for introducing key legislation that will modernize the clinical diagnostic laboratory fee schedule. The Clinical Laboratory Diagnostic Fee Schedule Modernization Act of 2008 (HR 6761), which was introduced on July 31, 2008, requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convene a negotiated rulemaking committee to develop a modernized, consensus-driven clinical laboratory fee schedule.

CLMA, with the support of ASCLS, led the effort to get HR 6761 introduced.

"The inadequacy of the current Medicare Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule has been a primary concern of CLMA because of its adverse impact on our patients, the clinical laboratory industry, and our members,” said CLMA President, JoAnne Milbourn.

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Competitive Bidding is Repealed

HR 6331 is now law and the competitive bidding demonstration project for clinical laboratory services is now permanently repealed!

As anticipated, President Bush vetoed the “Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (HR 6331).” The House, however, voted 383-41, and the Senate voted 70-26, to override the veto.

CLMA joins its members and the entire laboratory community in celebrating this landmark victory!

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