The AOA submitted comments to the FDA on its proposed guidance for marketing submissions of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled medical devices. The AOA supports the FDA’s efforts to promote innovation and improve patient care through AI but urges stronger safeguards to ensure transparency, reduce bias and protect patients. Key recommendations include making several voluntary guidance elements—such … Read More
During DO Day, the AOA and Omega Beta Iota (OBI) hosted the first-ever Advocacy, Policy and Political Research Poster Competition, showcasing outstanding work by osteopathic medical students and residents. This new initiative highlights the important role students play in shaping health policy and advancing physician-led advocacy. Congratulations to the winners: 1st place: Sophie Hockran, OMS … Read More
During the General Session on March 26, 2025, the AOA celebrated the exceptional contributions of osteopathic advocates who are making a difference on Capitol Hill and beyond. This year, the AOA recognized the individuals below who have gone above and beyond to promote the profession through their grassroots engagement and leadership. The award was given … Read More
Last month, hundreds of osteopathic physicians and students gathered in Washington, D.C., for DO Day on Capitol Hill—the profession’s premier advocacy event. At DO Day, we conducted nearly 300 meetings with lawmakers and staff, sharing powerful, real-world perspectives and championing the profession’s most pressing priorities. This year’s advocacy agenda focused on: Protecting physician practices by … Read More
The Continuing Resolution (CR) just introduced in Congress fails the nation’s physicians and their patients. By allowing the 2.8% Medicare payment cut to proceed, lawmakers are putting immense financial strain on physician practices—especially those in rural and underserved areas. This failure to act jeopardizes independent practices and patients access to care. Physicians cannot continue to … Read More
Earlier this week, AOA leaders and DOs from multiple specialties participated in a series of high-level meetings and events in Washington, D.C., to advance the priorities of the osteopathic profession. As a non-partisan physician membership organization, the AOA is committed to advocating for health care policies that support the delivery of high-quality care, respect scientific … Read More
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
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
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