ADLM urges transparent approach to HHS workforce reductions

On March 10^th, ADLM submitted a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. expressing serious concerns that proposed reductions in the HHS workforce could significantly impair clinical laboratories’ ability to serve patients effectively. The association emphasized that while streamlining government operations remains a reasonable goal, any reduction in staffing must be approached carefully to avoid jeopardizing critical services that underpin public health.

ADLM further warned that scaling back HHS personnel might disrupt the essential support that federal agencies provide to clinical laboratories. The association stresses that these agencies are integral to ensuring high-quality diagnostic testing and efficient patient care. Without adequate staffing, the systems that maintain vital health services could falter, potentially affecting numerous activities ranging from grant approvals to regulatory oversight.

ADLM urged the administration to adopt a more transparent, collaborative approach to any proposed workforce reductions, and called on HHS to engage directly with the healthcare community, patients, and Congress to gather input on where reforms are needed most. The association will continue to provide updates to its members as legal and policy debates evolve.