American Osteopathic Association statement on proposed HHS intervention in the patient-physician relationship and access to gender-affirming care

CHICAGO—The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) is deeply concerned with the recent actions announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that would undermine physicians’ independent, expert judgement and penalize them for recommending or providing medically appropriate care. Osteopathic physicians are trained to treat the whole person and to work collaboratively with patients, families and interdisciplinary care teams to determine the most appropriate course of care based on current medical evidence and individual patient needs. Decisions about care—particularly for children and adolescents—are best made through careful, collaborative discussions among patients, families and qualified healthcare professionals.

The Department’s proposed rules would eliminate coverage for care, limit treatment options based on non-clinical criteria and remove important protections for patients. Such actions, which are inconsistent with science and medical guidelines, only stigmatize patients, undermine trust in the medical system and jeopardize access to care for a vulnerable community.

The AOA urges federal policymakers to actively engage with physicians, patients and medical experts to ensure that any regulatory action supports evidence-based medicine, preserves the integrity of the patient-physician relationship and prioritizes the health and well-being of all patients. We remain dedicated to advocating for policies that support high-quality, evidence-based care, enabling physicians to fulfill their ethical obligation to act in the best interests of their patients.

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Ernst Lamothe Jr.
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