Over the last decade the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS) has highlighted many times the lack of professional recognition of its members. In 2010 the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) was established but they decided that medical scientists were sufficiently controlled by a registered pathologist and National Australian Testing Authority (NATA) accreditation and suggested that they develop a process of self-regulation. In many other countries around the world, medical scientists are required to hold a practicing license in order to be employed in clinical laboratories. This license provides recognition to the profession and protection to the public. The governmental regulatory bodies in these countries maintain a register of practitioners, monitor continuing professional development (CPD) and provide disciplinary measures if required. However, with the increase use of technology and the changing role of the scientist, clinical oversight is increasingly not required or provided. Is it time to recognize the contribution that medical scientists make to the Australian Health Workforce and provide them the same professional status as other developed nations?