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Category: Public Policy

Public Policy

State advocacy in action

AOA opposes H.B. 1071 to protect patient safety in South Dakota Last week, the AOA submitted a letter to the South Dakota House Health and Human Services Committee opposing H.B. 1071, which seeks to eliminate physician supervision requirements for physician assistants (PAs), allowing them to practice independently. The AOA emphasized the risks to patient safety … Read More

AOA Staff

02.15.25

Public Policy

AOA submits comments to CMS on Medicare Advantage (MA) and Prescription Drug Benefit programs

The AOA supports reforms to reduce administrative burdens, particularly related to prior authorization (PA), which has increasingly delayed care and burdened physician practices. Recently, the AOA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the CY2026 Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program and Programs of … Read More

AOA Staff

02.14.25

Public Policy

Congress introduces bipartisan legislation to stabilize physician practices

In early February, AOA President Teresa A. Hubka, DO, launched a grassroots campaign urging members to take action by emailing their members of Congress to encourage them to support the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act (H.R. 879). Dr. Hubka’s campaign highlighted that the rising financial challenges are putting physician practices at risk, and … Read More

AOA Staff

02.13.25

AOA, Public Policy

AOA issues membership statement on advocacy priorities

The following message was shared with AOA members on behalf of AOA President Teresa A. Hubka, DO, FACOOG (Dist.), and CEO Kathleen S. Creason, MBA: During this time of transition for our nation, the AOA remains dedicated to representing the interests of more than 197,000 members of our profession and the millions of patients they … Read More

AOA Staff

02.11.25

Public Policy

AOA opposes Virginia’s S.B. 904 to protect physicians and patients

The AOA and the Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association (VOMA) recently partnered on a grassroots campaign strongly opposing Virginia Senate Bill 904. This bill seeks to eliminate the medical malpractice cap for cases involving patients under 10 years old, a move that would have significant negative consequences for Virginia’s health care system. The current law prevents … Read More

AOA Staff

01.30.25

Public Policy

Osteopathic engagement in the 119th Congress

The 119th Congress convened on Jan. 3, 2025, welcoming more than 70 new members of Congress alongside many pro-physician champions of osteopathic medicine. With health care challenges continuing to evolve, now is a critical time for the osteopathic community to engage with lawmakers. Sending a welcome letter through the Osteopathic Advocacy Network (OAN) Action Center … Read More

AOA Staff

01.29.25

Public Policy

AOA provides feedback on FSMB Advisory Commission draft guidance on licensing models

The AOA has responded to the FSMB Advisory Commission’s draft guidance on Additional Licensing Models (ALM) for internationally trained physicians. While the AOA prioritizes attracting U.S. medical graduates to underserved areas, it supports FSMB’s efforts to ensure ALMs uphold rigorous, standardized requirements for patient safety. Key recommendations include empowering state medical boards with the authority … Read More

AOA Staff

01.07.25

Public Policy

Supporting chronic disease prevention: AOA joins coalition backing S. 3224

The AOA joined the Smarter Health Care Coalition and other stakeholders in urging the Senate to pass the Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act (S. 3224). This bipartisan bill allows health plans and employers to provide preventive care for chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, before patients meet their deductibles. Already approved by the … Read More

AOA Staff

01.06.25

Public Policy

AOA supports reauthorizing the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act

The AOA joined nearly 60 organizations urging Congress to reauthorize the bipartisan Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (H.R. 7153/S. 3679) before the 118th Congress concludes. Originally enacted in 2022, the Act addresses occupational burnout, mental health and suicide prevention among health care professionals. It honors Lorna Breen, MD, an emergency physician who … Read More

AOA Staff

01.04.25