State Advocacy Initiatives

Support system

Raising the profile of osteopathic medicine at the state level

The AOA supports the osteopathic profession by advocating on behalf of DOs and their patients on state-level legislation and regulatory issues.

Partnering with state and specialty affiliate organizations, the AOA tracks legislative issues, compiles research data, develops issue briefs and engages state policymakers in support of the osteopathic medical profession. Key areas of focus include scope of practice, osteopathic recognition and equivalency, pain management, funding to increase care in rural and underserved areas and medical liability reform. Read further for information on our latest efforts and advocacy wins.

State priority areas

Scope of practice & new licensure types

Support the physician-led, team-based model of care and uniform, evidence-based licensure pathways for all clinicians based upon scope of practice.

Osteopathic equivalency & recognition

Ensure that the osteopathic profession and credentials are recognized as equivalent to their allopathic counterparts.
Educate legislators about current osteopathic terminology, and the distinctive philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine.
Support DO licensure and regulation by osteopathic medical boards in dual board states.

Truth in advertising

Support legislation that requires all health care providers to affirmatively communicate their degrees and licensure types to patients, restricts “-ologist” titles to physicians and requires entities offering physician board certification to possess legitimate training and testing requirements.

Public health

Work to increase public awareness and implement evidence-based recommendations and best practices related to public health issues.
Support funding to strengthen our public health care infrastructure and workforce; address health care disparities and social determinants of health; and establish a robust national strategy to combat future public health emergencies.

Physician workforce

Support legislation that expands the physician workforce by increasing funding for graduate medical education, especially in high-need specialties and locations, and expanding financial incentives to facilitate care for the underserved.

Telemedicine

Support the delivery of appropriate health care services, including the prescription of controlled substances, through telemedicine and other communications-based technologies.
Advocate for coverage and payment parity between these services and similar services delivered in-person.

Artificial intelligence (AI)

Support awareness and appropriate use of AI, with the physician retaining ultimate responsibility for clinical decision-making and patient care.

Connect & get involved

Advocate on behalf of your profession and patients by staying up to date on policy developments and getting involved in your community.

Osteopathic Advocacy Network (OAN)

The AOA is working on your behalf every day, but you are the best advocate for the osteopathic profession and your elected officials must hear from you. Your experience and knowledge can help guide your lawmakers to craft impactful legislation for you and your patients. Learn more.

The DO Engage
AOA members receive The DO Engage newsletter detailing current legislative and regulatory activity, and updates on issues that affect our members.
Advocacy action alerts
AOA OAN members receive calls to action to stimulate grassroots engagement when legislative activity takes place that may significantly impact the profession.
DO Day on Capitol Hill
Held each spring, this event serves as the osteopathic family’s premier opportunity to lobby members of Congress on the issues that are most important to the practice of osteopathic medicine. Learn more.
Training in Policy Studies (TIPS) Program
Training opportunities for osteopathic resident physicians in health policy to support their future engagement in advocacy and policy development on behalf of the profession. Learn more.