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Our Position on State Licensure
TSPA supports state licensure for Pathologists’ Assistants in Texas. We believe licensure should:
- Protect patients by ensuring that those who perform macroscopic examination and tissue submission are properly educated, certified, and accountable.
- Recognize ASCP-certified Pathologists’ Assistants as the appropriate professionals to perform complex gross examinations and selective sampling, in line with AAPA standards.
- Align Texas law with modern pathology practice, where PAs are integral members of the diagnostic team under the supervision of board-certified pathologists.
- Close the “recognition gap” so that PA education, scope of practice, and professional responsibility are accurately reflected in Texas regulation and policy.
OUR 5 NON-NEGOTIABLE PRINCIPLES
TSPA is committed to advancing licensure for Pathologists’ Assistants. We will continue to support efforts that strengthen professional recognition and promote alignment between education, competency, scope of practice, and professional accountability. Licensure is a promise — a promise that Pathologists’ Assistants will be recognized as highly trained physician extenders. TSPA stands firmly behind that promise.
1. Physician-led pathology remains intact
- Recognition is not synonymous with expansion.
- The PA role should remain clearly subordinate to the licensed pathologist’s medical authority.
- Only pathologists’ diagnosis.
- Alignment means: not replacing; not taking over; not expanding for expansion’s sake; not diminishing physician leadership
2. Licensure creates accountability
- Defines scope
- Defines minimum educational requirements
- Establishes certification requirements
- Requires continuing competency
- Establishes ethical standards
- Creates disciplinary mechanisms
3. Licensure should reflect existing education and certification
- NAACLS accredited PA education + Appropriate clinical training + ASCP BOC certification
4. Licensure should not create unnecessary barriers
- High standards, clear standards, reasonable standards
- Avoid advocating for unnecessary requirements that could restrict workforce without improving patient safety
5. Patient Safety and Patient Care is the ultimate beneficiary
- Patient safety sits at the forefront of every decision
- Patient care is the foremost priority – our North Star
- Modern pathology requires a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting increasingly complex diagnostic services while maintaining quality, efficiency, and accountability.
Talking Points for Legislators
Use these key points when communicating the importance of Pathologists’ Assistant licensure for Texas healthcare.
- Patient Safety: Licensure ensures that macroscopic tissue examinations are performed only by qualified, certified professionals.
- Accountability: Establishes clear standards for education, clinical competency, and ethical practice under state oversight.
- Efficiency: Recognizes ASCP-certified PAs as specialized physician extenders who streamline diagnostic workflows for pathologists.
- Modernization: Aligns Texas regulation with contemporary pathology practices and national AAPA/ASCP standards.
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