CLMA Transition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
CLMA held a virtual member town hall on November 10 to share important updates with the membership. To read a recap and view the recording, click here.
Why is CLMA aligning with ASCP?
The acute challenges of declining membership and loss of KnowledgeLab income that developed in early 2020 resulted in revenues that no longer exceeded expenses. The CLMA board recognized the critical need to identify a path forward that assured the sustainability of the organization’s mission and work, rather than ceasing to exist altogether. Member feedback on the value and success of the CLMA and ASCP joint membership agreement and KnowledgeLab 2021 collaboration drove new rounds of thinking and planning that took shape as a blend of solution + synergy + continuation.
What is the value of aligning CLMA with ASCP?
ASCP fully believes in the importance of CLMA’s mission. They are committed to retaining the CLMA and KnowledgeLab names, support for CLMA chapters, and a governance structure that preserves the “voice” of current and future CLMA leaders. The agreement between CLMA and ASCP serves as a trustworthy bond and is without a doubt the single best path forward for our field and our current members.
What is the alignment agreement between CLMA and ASCP?
The CLMA Board of Directors and the ASCP Board of Directors approved and executed an “Alignment Agreement” that outlines our intention for full integration of CLMA’s offerings, governance, and membership into the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Both CLMA and ASCP boards worked as cohesive units to arrive at mutually agreeable commitments of what the alignment would look like. One clear requirement that both parties understood is for CLMA to dissolve as a legal independent entity so that all future CLMA planning and offerings would be under the ownership and management of ASCP.
An upcoming membership vote will take place November 12-November 29 to amend the existing Bylaws, and to ratify a “Plan of Dissolution” that will legalize the dissolution and ratify CLMA’s integration into ASCP.
Following the membership vote, CLMA will transition all of its content, historical archives, intellectual property, trademarks, etc. to ASCP – the new steward of CLMA’s rich history. CLMA’s Board of Directors will transition to a newly formed “CLMA Advisory Group” within the structure of ASCP, with explicitly defined duties and obligations.
What was the decision process?
The board evaluated many different options and confidently came to the decision that aligning with ASCP is the best and sole option for CLMA to continue to advance its mission. The board used data to inform decisions and heard many viewpoints and perspectives to understand the potential options.
When will the transition happen?
Upon completion of the membership vote in November, the transition will begin immediately.
What happens to my CLMA membership?
2021 CLMA membership will expire on December 31, 2021. Members will be invited by ASCP – offering benefits similar to what CLMA offered, plus an amazing quantity of additional benefits and value.
Will CLMA chapters dissolve?
Every CLMA chapter is an independently governed and incorporated organization/entity. While there are many links that connect CLMA with its chapters, the only formal business relationship is defined in the “Affiliation Agreement” and the annual “Chapter Administrative Services” document (previously called the “Chapter Service Pack Fee”). The “Alignment Agreement” between CLMA and ASCP does not trigger any need for an existing chapter to alter their existing IRS status (again, each chapter is an independent organization).
The CLMA and ASCP Joint Task Force formed to determine how chapters fit within ASCP’s structure. CLMA chapters will be given new ways to advance their mission with the commitment and support of ASCP.
How does this impact chapter finances?
Every CLMA chapter is an independently governed and incorporated organization/entity and therefore their bank accounts are separate from CLMA national’s. The local chapters’ financial assets are not impacted by this transition.
Can chapters continue to collaborate with other associations (e.g. AACC, ASCLS, etc.) for their educational meetings?
Every CLMA chapter is an independently governed and incorporated organization/entity and therefore may continue to collaborate with other associations.
Will there be support to help CLMA chapters with planning their educational meetings?
This is an area that falls under the accountability of the CLMA Advisory Group to consult with the ASCP Steering Committee (noted in the Alignment Agreement) in identifying how the chapters will integrate into ASCP and what support will be provided to advance their mission.
Will the CLMA chapter awards and recognition continue?
This area falls under the accountability of the CLMA Advisory Group to consult with the ASCP Steering Committee (noted in the Alignment Agreement) in identifying how the chapters will integrate into ASCP and what support will be provided to advance their mission.
Will I retain access to the CLMA website, materials, resources, products, CE certificates, etc?
The CLMA website, www.clma.org, will no longer be accessible as of December 1, 2021. There will be a brief transition period while ASCP integrates CLMA into their day-to-day operations, including the website. We strongly encourage you to download, purchase, and save any materials you want to have access to.
