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Dear AAPA Members,
Grossing technicians and some histologists are currently handling biopsy material and grossing simple small and medium sized specimens, and this varies widely among different institutions and settings where they are used. Pathologists’ assistants are often tasked with oversight and supervision of grossing techs and histologists. The Board of Trustees (BOT) has determined that the American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants (AAPA) should make a statement on the limited and appropriate use of grossing techs and histologists in anatomic pathology. The AAPA has no intention of creating a membership category within the association for grossing techs, and has no intention of supporting a path to certification of grossing techs.
Last year, the AAPA held a Town Hall at the Annual Conference and through live stream inviting members to join for an open discussion on grossing techs and their appropriate utilization. Member input from that meeting, and both the pre-meeting survey and follow up survey sent earlier this year, was invaluable in helping us craft a detailed position statement regarding grossing techs and histologists. The latest version of the statement to follow went through several revisions in an effort to best reflect the general sentiment of our members and ensure it is in the best interest of pathologists’ assistants.
| The statement is now being presented to the membership for your review and comment prior to its public release. Please review the full statement and submit your comments – either by clicking through to our online feedback survey or review forum. The comment period will be open through Monday, November 9, 2020. |
Sincerely,
John Eckman, MHS, PA(ASCP)CM
Board of Trustees Chair
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