2026 Advocacy Committee ReportDr. Samuel Franks reported at the 2026 IAP Business Meeting April 18, 2026As Legislative Chair of the Indiana Association of Pathologist, I have worked to build working relations with both the Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA) and College of American Pathologists (CAP: 2025 IAP/CAP Legislative AccomplishmentsGOP-led health omnibus bill (HB 1003) o New network adequacy requirements for health plans o Retaining OON law written estimate requirements (decreased to 2 days)/defeating immediate requirements o Limiting adverse provision mandating all labs to publicly disclose all forms of negotiated pricing for ALL CPT coded services; IAP/CAP limited list to 50 shoppable CPT codes Coroner-backed blood retention bill (HB 1194) o Amended to limit adverse blood retention criteria and included a hospital-based protocol; Adverse bill would have mandated labs to retain ALL first draw blood samples for 21 days Recently, I have been elected to serve on the College of American Pathologist (CAP) Federal and State Affairs (FSAC) CAP committee to identify, improve, and implement legislative and state regulatory activities that positively impact clinical pathology, pathologists, and the patients we serve. The opportunity to be a member of this committee will allow me to have a positive impact on advocacy strategies that advance policy interests of pathologists to improve the relationship and effectiveness of the CAP's federal and state advocacy efforts. My goal is to serve as a member on this committee to learn how to better create action plans, implement advocacy strategies, and cultivate interest in advocacy issues among colleagues. • On April 25-28, 2026 CAP House of Delegates & Pathologists Leadership Summit I along with other FSAC committee members will meet in Washington, DC. Advocate for fair policies, drive change on Capitol Hill, and protect and promote what matters most—our specialty and our patients. • An updated will be provided upon my return |
May 2025(from the College of American Pathologists Advocacy News May 13, 2025 | College of American Pathologists) Pathology amends Indiana blood retention billThe Indiana Association of Pathologists (IAP) and the CAP prevented an overly burdensome requirement over blood draw retentions from becoming law. Why it matters: The IAP and CAP partnered to amend a bill that would have required retention of all first-draw blood specimens for up to 30 days.
The big picture: Following the IAP testimony, the bill was successfully amended to limit the criteria for retention and to establish any blood retention requirement based on a hospital-based protocol.
On May 6, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed HB 1194 into law. Indiana health care law revisedThe CAP and the Indiana Association of Pathologists (IAP) amended a comprehensive health care law to limit price disclosure to only 50 shoppable pathology and laboratory services. Why it matters: Originally, the bill would have required publishing multiple prices for every CPT code for pathology and lab services. Countering trends of narrowing networks of physicians, the new law requires the Indiana Department of Insurance to assess whether health plans meet network adequacy standards, including availability of specialty providers such as pathologists.
One more thing: Written estimates of scheduled, ordered, or referred services for patients will now be required within two business days, instead of five days. On May 6, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed HB 1003 into law. February 2025 |
Urgent action is required to protect pathology practices in Indiana. We are facing two critical legislative threats that could severely impact our profession. With key hearings and votes scheduled in the coming days, we need your immediate support to prevent these bills from becoming law. We urgently need your help. The Indiana Association of Pathologists (IAP), in partnership with the College of American Pathologists (CAP), is working tirelessly to oppose these harmful bills. However, we currently have only $5,000 in our advocacy fund and must raise an additional $10,000 to effectively fight these threats. Donations of any amount are critical, as each contribution directly supports our efforts to protect the future of pathology in Indiana. 1. HB 1194: A Burdensome Mandate for Medical Laboratories
What You Can Do NOW:
2. HB 1003: Harmful Provisions for Pathology Practices
What You Can Do NOW:
How You Can Help—RIGHT NOW:
The Clock Is Ticking—We Need Your Help NOW! The deadlines for these bills are fast approaching, and the time to act is now. With the support of CAP, we are working diligently to stop these harmful measures—but we need your financial help to make it happen. Please donate todayand take action by contacting your legislators. Your involvement is essential in defending the practice of pathology in Indiana. Thank you for your time and your support. Together, we can protect the future of pathology! |
When donating online , please type ADVOCACY FUND in the 'Reference' field. Please note that the IAP will be charged a transaction fee by the payment acceptance system. For large donations, please consider donating by check. Make checks payable to: Indiana Association of Pathologists, Inc. 3270 Kirkbride Way Indianapolis, IN 46222-4599 Memo: Advocacy Fund |