WASHINGTON, DC—Following the nomination of California Attorney General Xavier Becerra be the next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services on December 6, College of American Pathologists (CAP) President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, issued the following statement:
“The College of American Pathologists congratulates Xavier Becerra on his nomination to be the next HHS Secretary. This appointment comes at a time of crisis as coronavirus cases have risen rapidly in the United States. Pathologists and the laboratories they lead have worked diligently to meet the needs of their patients. Through our commitment to the excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine, we are looking forward to working with Mr. Becerra to solve the challenges the current pandemic presents and to further improve our health care system for the benefit of the patients we serve.”
“Over the last several months, for example, we have advocated to resolve persistent testing supply shortages and supply chain issues to ensure laboratories have the resources they need to meet demands. The CAP has also called on the government to provide pathologists and laboratories the financial resources necessary to support the diagnostics needed. This includes stopping both Medicare cuts to the 2021 physician fee schedule and to COVID-19 tests.”
“Again, we congratulate Mr. Becerra and look forward to working with him on these and other important priorities in the months ahead.”
About the College of American Pathologists
As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. As a 501(c)(6) membership organization, the CAP is the only entity representing pathologists with unrestricted advocacy capability and a political action committee, PathPAC. For more information, visit yourpathologist.org to watch pathologists at work and see the stories of the patients who trust them with their care. Read the CAP Annual Report.