Leadership

NAMSS is pleased to share its submission to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to request a unique occupational code for MSPs within its Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. The SOC is a statistical coding repository that researchers, government agencies, and employers use to assess workforce data. Without a unique SOC code, these entities cannot adequately collect and analyze a profession’s data.

Data collection, especially for the MSP profession, is critical to helping MSPs advocate for increased salaries and professional growth, establishing and maintaining requirements for distinct credentials, tracking the growth of the profession, and making the profession attractive to those entering the workforce.

To date, MSPs do not have a specific SOC code. The BLS does not recognize the medical services profession as a standalone occupation and currently categorizes MSPs as human resource (HR) professionals. NAMSS recognizes the inherent value of a unique SOC for MSPs and in accordance with its 2021–2024 strategic plan, launched the SOC task force in 2021 to oversee NAMSS’ SOC submissions.

The BLS issues a call for new code proposals approximately every 10 years and launched the revision process for the 2028 SOC manual in June 2024. NAMSS’ SOC task force responded to the BLS’ request in August 2024 with data that supports the medical services profession as a standalone occupation and distinguishes MSPs from HR professionals.  

The BLS will next review all submissions to its June 2024 call for revisions and will issue a proposed draft of its 2028 SOC manual in 2026. NAMSS will continue to collect data and engage strategic partners in support of a unique SOC code in preparation for the BLS’ 2026 announcement.

Preparing for, and drafting, NAMSS SOC response could not have been possible without the dedicated members of NAMSS’ SOC task force. NAMSS wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their contributions over the years to the SOC effort:

NAMSS SOC Task Force Members:

• Aimee Woolley-Randall, BA, CPCS, CPMSM, MHA        
• Bonnie Gutierrez, BHA, CPCS, CPMSM, FMSP
• Brian Betner, JD    
• Brianna Foulkrod, CPCS, CPMSM     
• Caroline Strickland, FMSP, CPCS, CPMSM
• Debra Green, DHA, MPA, FACHE, FMSP, CPMSM, CPCS
• Delicia Dimberg, MEd-OM, BHA, CPCS          
• Diane Meldi, MBA, CPCS, CPMSM, FMSP     
• Julie Vandenburg, BS, CPCS        
• Karen Claxton, MBA, CPCS, CPMSM, FMSP
• Lisa Brooks, CPCS, CPMSM     
• Michelle Stultz, RN, CPMSM, CPCS, FMSP            
• Pearl Williams, MSA, CPMSM
• Ropizah Ervin, CPCS, CPMSM
• Stephanie McCoy, CPCS, CPMSM
• Susan DuBois, CPCS, CPMSM