[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CYTOLOGY PROFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 2008

  Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of The Cytology 
Proficiency Improvement Act, H.R. 1237, which would modernize and 
improve a Federal program aimed at promoting quality cervical cancer 
screening. Pathologists are already required by Federal law under the 
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988, CLIA, to comply 
with extensive quality assurance standards for Pap tests. The bill 
would complement CLIA by establishing a Federal continuing medical 
education, CME, requirement for pathologists and laboratory 
professionals who examine Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer.
  I have been a long-time advocate of medical technology and education 
advancements. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to tour the 
Pathology Lab at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, DE to get a first 
hand look at the practice and techniques used in Delaware. During the 
tour, the doctors and medical staff highlighted the need for H.R. 1237.
  Regular screening can make all the difference in addressing cervical 
cancer and early detection can save lives. Women need access to the 
latest in Pap test science, principles of patient safety and 
technological advances such as computer-assisted screening, digital 
imaging, and HPV typing. Over the years, this educational requirement 
will also accommodate advances in science and technology without going 
through the long process of making changes in regulation.
  I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support passage of 
The Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act, H.R. 1237.




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