WASHINGTON, DC – College of American Pathologists (CAP) President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, released the following statement on President Joe Biden’s actions today to create a Pandemic Testing Board and address other issues concerning COVID-19 testing.
“The College of American Pathologists applauds the Biden administration’s efforts to improve patient access to COVID-19 tests as laboratories continue to face challenges obtaining the supplies they need to meet testing demands in their communities. While 2 million tests are being provided every day, surveys of laboratory directors have consistently reported that more testing could be performed but their labs are constrained by several limitations. Specifically, laboratory directors have cited problems acquiring testing supplies. Having enough test kits, plastic pipette tips, and specimen acquisition swabs, as well as transport media, are the greatest barriers to increased COVID-19 testing. The CAP is looking forward to engaging with the new Pandemic Testing Board to proactively solve these and other problems as we work together to ensure all Americans have access to the tests they need.
“Importantly, the president’s executive orders and actions today will also clear up any confusion that health insurance companies must cover tests provided to asymptomatic patients. Further, there will be a COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force to advise the administration on how to expand access to testing, as well as the COVID-19 vaccine, to disadvantaged health populations. We must ensure that communities of color and vulnerable patient populations have equal access to tests, treatments, and therapeutics.”
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.