ASSOCIATION FOR DIAGNOSTICS & LABORATORY MEDICINE (FORMERLY AACC)

* ADLM conducted a briefing for congressional staff on the impact of the Food and Drug Administration laboratory developed test rule on children's health. * ADLM endorsed the Freedom for Lab Innovation and Testing Act, which would prevent the FDA from using federal funds to implement the LDT rule; the association also initiated a grassroots campaign in support of the bill. * ADLM joined a coalition letter to House and Senate leaders seeking congressional support for getting public health data restored to agency websites. * ADLM released a position statement raising concerns about barriers to children getting laboratory testing.

* ADLM organized and sent a coalition letter to key House and Senate appropriators in support of a $10 million increase in funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Preventing to improve pediatric reference intervals. * ADLM met with House and Senate congressional staff seeking an additional $7.2 million for the CDC to harmonize clinical laboratory testing results. * ADLM wrote to the National Institutes of Health objecting to proposed cuts in the indirect costs provided to healthcare institutions obtaining federal grants.

* ADLM sent a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services arguing for a more evidence-based, systematic approach to making decisions about reductions in staff.