Advocacy Update

• Trump memo targets regulatory overhaul
• Links to 2025 HODPLS Resources
• Podcast: HODPLS Leadership Workshop Preview
• Final Week of the Back the PAC Competition!
• Supreme Court revisits ACA preventive services
• Share your thoughts in Change Healthcare fallout survey

President Trump issued a memo on April 9 directing agencies to find "potentially unlawful regulations" by early June and repeal them.

Why it matters: This directive could alter the regulatory landscape and bypass traditional rulemaking procedures that include public comments.

According to the memo, agency heads can quickly make changes using a "good cause" exception in the Administrative Procedure Act. The memo says agencies have the legal authority to immediately repeal "unlawful regulations."

• This follows a March 3 policy statement by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announcing it will increasingly use the good cause exception and bypass the public comment process.

The big picture: The White House initiative cites recent Supreme Court rulings that struck down rulemakings to justify a regulatory overhaul.

What's next: The Office of Management and Budget is seeking deregulation ideas with a response deadline of May 12, 2025. The CAP is engaged on regulatory changes and will advocate for the pathology specialty.

The CAP House of Delegates & Pathologists Leadership Summit (HODPLS) is set to begin this weekend (April 26-29) in Washington, DC. More than 200 pathologists will gather in the nation's capital to enhance their leadership skills and advocate for the profession and their patients.

Why it matters: This summit is crucial for pathologists who want to influence policy, network with peers, and improve leadership skills.

You can still register: Here's more information.

Your pre-event checklist:

• Explore the agenda and personalize your schedule.
• Listen to these HODPLS preview podcasts.
• Download the social media toolkit to magnify your voice!

Carey August, MD, FCAP, Past President, CAP Foundation Board of Directors, previews the free executive leadership workshop happening this Saturday in Washington, DC.

Why it matters: The workshop will help you develop the strategic, leadership, and political skills needed to advance pathology departments, institutions, and our profession.

Learn more: Jim Austin, an adjunct assistant professor at Brown University, faculty consultant at the Wharton Business School, and senior management consultant, will lead the day-long workshop with Rebecca L. Johnson, MD, FCAP, and Amyn M. Rojiani, MD, PhD, CPE, FCAP. Participants will engage in exercises designed to help them improve their credibility, influence, and authority.

There's just one week left in the fourth annual Back the PAC competition—a friendly effort among House of Delegates (HOD) teams to boost awareness of PathPAC and its vital role in advancing CAP's advocacy agenda.

Why it matters: Back the PAC helps shine a light on the importance of a strong political voice for pathologists in Washington—while building energy and camaraderie among delegates.

Competition highlights:

• Teams are recognized for the highest participation rate and most PathPAC funds raised.
• The competition wraps up on April 27, at the close of the House of Delegates meeting. 

Where things stand: We’ve raised $40,000 toward our $55,000 goal—and momentum is building as the final stretch begins.

Recognition Event: All PathPAC supporters—whether on an HOD team or not—are invited to a special recognition reception during HODPLS on April 28.

Want to know more? Explore the role PathPAC plays in advocating for pathologists.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) returned to the Supreme Court on April 21 with justices examining the future of free preventive care services.

Why it matters: The case challenges the constitutionality of the US Preventive Services Task Force's authority, impacting 150 million people's access to no-cost screenings and treatments.

• The Justice Department is defending the task force's role.

Catch up quick: Two Christian-owned companies argue that mandatory no-cost coverage for HIV prevention drugs violates their religious freedoms.

• A federal appeals court sided with the companies, questioning the task force's appointment process.

State of play: The Supreme Court's decision, expected in June or July, could redefine coverage for services, including cancer screenings.

• However, justices on Monday seemed likely to uphold the Affordable Care Act's mandate for insurers to provide certain preventive services at no cost.

Medical practices still face challenges related to the Change Healthcare cyberattack and Optum's strict measures for repayment/recoupment of loans.

Why it matters: Your input will help identify ongoing challenges facing physicians one year after the cyberattack.

Take this brief survey from the American Medical Association to help inform future advocacy strategies.