Registration for DO Day 2025 is open! | LEARN MORE
This letter requests that Congress consider Paycheck Protection Program support for 501(c)(6)’s non-profits relief in future COVID-19 legislation.
A copy of the letter is below:
June 25, 2020
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House of Representatives
U.S. Capitol Building, H-222
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Kevin McCarthy
House Republican Leader
U.S. Capitol Building, H-204
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Mitch McConnell Majority Leader
United States Senate
317 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Charles Schumer Minority Leader
United States Senate
322 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Request for Paycheck Protection Program Support for 501(c)(6)’s Non-Profits Relief in Future COVID-19 Legislation
Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leader McConnell, Minority Leader McCarthy, and Minority Leader Schumer:
On behalf of the undersigned osteopathic specialty and state organizations, and the more than 151,000 osteopathic physicians and medical students we represent, thank you for the steps you have already taken in order to provide financial stability to many small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the people they serve, through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Our organizations appreciate Congress’ continued attention to the ongoing financial challenges faced by physician practices, nonprofit organizations, and other small businesses.
We are grateful for the PPP funding and programmatic improvements that were included in the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act and the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act. However, we believe an important segment of the healthcare community is still unable to meet the eligibility requirements for PPP. As such, we request that the next legislative package addressing new and continuing economic and medical concerns relating to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic include financial relief and stability for 501(c)(6) tax-exempt medical and trade associations that have been adversely impacted by this pandemic.
Our nonprofit organizations are working tirelessly to ensure that the osteopathic physician (DO) community has the tools needed to provide patients with the highest quality care, not only on the frontlines of this pandemic, but throughout the year and for the future. This support includes, but is not limited to, providing educational resources, addressing physician burnout, balancing family life, furthering DO medical training, and disseminating up-to-date best practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Many 501(c)(6) associations have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 just like small businesses and 501(c)(3) nonprofit associations. As with small businesses and 501(c)(3) nonprofit associations, many 501(c)(6)s may be forced to cut staff or scale back on services without federal financial intervention. The current challenges and future uncertainty faced by 501(c)(6) medical associations includes hosting major meetings, events and conventions, coordination and development of scientific and clinical education resources, and providing Continuing Medical Education (CME).
CME, in particular, is a critical component of the benefits provided by many 501(c)(6)s; it ensures that physicians and other medical professionals are providing high-quality evidence-based care throughout their careers, and is required for maintaining state medical licenses. Unfortunately, while we are continuing our efforts to support physicians across our states and medical specialties, we are also navigating the impact of canceled meetings, conventions, and educational conferences. This has led to the cancellation of numerous contracts, incurring potential financial penalties and revenue losses. All the while, we are continuing our efforts to support the healthcare community during this critical time.
As discussions are taking place regarding what to include in the future COVID-19 legislation, we respectfully request relief for the 501(c)(6) medical community, so we can continue to serve as a trusted resource for physicians, patients and policymakers alike during this pandemic and beyond.
If you have questions regarding the recommendations outlined above, or if the AOA can be a resource in any way, please contact David Pugach, JD, AOA Senior Vice President of Public Policy, at [email protected] or (202) 349-8753.
Thank you for your leadership and consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
American Osteopathic Association
American Academy of Osteopathy
American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians
American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
American College of Osteopathic Internists
American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians
American College of Osteopathic Surgeons
American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine
American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics
American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologists
American Osteopathic College of Occupational and Preventive Medicine
American Osteopathic College of Radiology
American Osteopathic Society of Rheumatic Diseases
American Osteopathic Association of Prolotherapy Regenerative Medicine
Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association
Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons
Florida Osteopathic Medical Association
Georgia Osteopathic Medical Association
Hawaii Association of Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons
Idaho Osteopathic Physicians Association
Indiana Osteopathic Association
Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association
Kansas Association of Osteopathic Medicine
Kentucky Osteopathic Medical Association
Louisiana Osteopathic Medical Association
Maine Osteopathic Association
Massachusetts Osteopathic Society
Michigan Osteopathic Association
Minnesota Osteopathic Medical Society
Mississippi Osteopathic Medical Association
North Carolina Osteopathic Medical Association
New Jersey Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons
Ohio Osteopathic Association
Oklahoma Osteopathic Association
Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons of California
Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of Oregon
Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association
South Carolina Osteopathic Medical Society
Tennessee Osteopathic Medical Association
Texas Osteopathic Medical Association
Vermont State Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons
Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association
Washington Osteopathic Medical Association
West Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association
Wisconsin Association of Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons