CAP Statement on the Introduction of Health Equity Legislation to Address Social Determinants of Health

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) President Emily E. Volk, MD, FCAP, released the following statement on the Health Equity and Accountability Act:

“The College of American Pathologists applauds the introduction of the Health Equity and Accountability Act, which, among other things, includes policies to mitigate and eliminate the impact of social determinants of health, increase access to and the quality of health care for underserved communities, funds workforce diversity programs, and addresses the maternal health and mental health crises. The CAP would like to thank Rep. Robin Kelly for introducing this bill on behalf of the Tri-Caucus and keeping these critical issues at the forefront of the congressional agenda. As pathologists, we understand that access to providers and quality, affordable care including, preventive care, cancer screenings, and treatment for chronic illnesses, is essential for communities of color, rural communities, and other underserved populations.

“As physicians and leaders in laboratory medicine, members of the CAP are dedicated to ensuring health equity and addressing disparities in health care. The CAP supports legislative efforts to understand the social determinants that drive health care disparities and improve equity in health care access. The Health Equity and Accountability Act legislation includes the CAP-endorsed Social Determinants Accelerator Act, which establishes a council to increase coordination between health and social service programs, and provide technical assistance to increase their effectiveness. The legislation also permanently increases the Affordable Care Act’s premium subsidies as passed in the American Rescue Plan Act, closes the Medicaid coverage gap, and treats US territories like states for Medicaid eligibility.”

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.

Apoorva Stull

202-354-7102

Email: media@cap.org

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