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News

Category: Public Policy

Public Policy

HHS finalizes rule establishing information blocking disincentives for physicians

On June 24, 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized its rule establishing disincentives for providers who are identified by the HHS Office of the Inspector General as having engaged in information blocking. Information blocking entails practices by health care providers that are unreasonable and “likely to interfere with access, exchange or … Read More

AOA Staff

07.08.24

Public Policy

Advocacy win: Ontario recognizes AOA board certification and residency training

The AOA is dedicated to advancing recognition and practice rights for osteopathic physicians abroad, and recently achieved a major win in Ontario. Following years of advocacy by the AOA, the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners and the Canadian Osteopathic Association, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) voted to amend its bylaws … Read More

AOA Staff

07.07.24

Public Policy

AOA submits comments to Senate Finance Committee on physician payment reform

In our continued efforts to represent the interests of osteopathic physicians and ensure patient access to quality care, on June 14, the AOA submitted a comprehensive response to the Senate Finance Committee on physician payment reform. Without reforms to the Medicare physician payment methodology, consolidation and physician shortages will worsen, as will patients’ ability to … Read More

AOA Staff

07.05.24

Public Policy

A quick summary of how the Supreme Court decision on Chevron impacts health care

On Friday, June 28, the Supreme Court rescinded the Chevron deference doctrine, which required judges to defer to agencies’ reasonable interpretations of ambiguous federal laws. This decision allows judges more freedom to impose their interpretations, potentially disrupting regulations on health care, the environment, financial regulations and technology. This decision could lead to delays in federal … Read More

AOA Staff

07.03.24

Public Policy

Make a difference: Join the Osteopathic Advocacy Network

As osteopathic physicians and students, your voice is crucial in shaping healthcare policy, which is why we need you to join the Osteopathic Advocacy Network (OAN) today. Through the OAN, you will engage in impactful advocacy efforts and stay informed on key issues that impact you and your patients. Additionally, each month, OAN members will … Read More

AOA Staff

06.21.24

Public Policy

Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program currently accepting applications

The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) is currently accepting applications for the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program. This initiative offers loan repayment assistance to physicians and other healthcare professionals dedicated to treating substance use disorders. The STAR program is a vital resource for osteopathic physicians, providing significant financial relief … Read More

AOA Staff

06.18.24

Public Policy

AOA addresses private practice challenges in a statement to the House Committee on Ways and Means

On May 23, the AOA submitted a statement to the House Committee on Ways and Means hearing on the collapse of private practice and the challenges facing independent medicine. The letter highlights many issues that we have heard directly from our members, including the negative impacts of healthcare consolidation, such as reduced access to care … Read More

AOA Staff

06.17.24

Public Policy

AOA responds to Senate Finance Committee hearing on rural health care

On May 16, the AOA provided a statement for the record to the Senate Finance Committee, emphasizing the critical issues impacting rural health care, including: Serving patients in rural communities Practice sustainability and physician payment Innovation and expanding payment models predicated upon delivering high-quality care Access improvement through telehealth and more The statement calls for … Read More

AOA Staff

06.04.24

Public Policy

SOMA and AOA partner on grassroots campaign supporting the REDI Act

The AOA recently partnered with the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) on a grassroots campaign to build support for the Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act (H.R. 1202/S. 704). This bill allows medical residents to defer student loan payments without accruing interest during residency, easing financial strain and enabling service in high-need specialties and underserved … Read More

AOA Staff

06.02.24