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
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
The AOA has responded to the FSMB Advisory Commission’s draft guidance on Additional Licensing Models (ALM) for internationally trained physicians.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
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
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 Originally enacted in 2022, the Act addresses occupational burnout, mental health and suicide prevention among health care professionals.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
The AOA and the Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) successfully partnered on an advocacy campaign to oppose harmful legislation in the Michigan State Legislature. The proposed bills, HB 6085, HB 6086, SB 1158 and SB 1159, would have significantly increased malpractice insurance premiums and encouraged defensive medicine by raising caps on noneconomic damages to as high … Read More
The AOA achieved significant advocacy milestones in 2024, which couldn’t have been done without the collective voice of the osteopathic profession and our advocates. Through the Osteopathic Advocacy Network (OAN), the AOA kept our advocates engaged and informed through monthly public policy roundtables, newsletters, action alerts and attending osteopathic conferences, as well as many activities … Read More
Despite initial bipartisan support, Congress failed to pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) that included several of the AOA’s key legislative priorities. The proposed package would have extended the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program, preserved telehealth flexibilities, reauthorized the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program (STAR-LRP), mitigated cuts to Medicare … Read More
On Nov. 1, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the CY2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule, which includes updates to physician payment policies, the Quality Payment Program (QPP) and Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP). The AOA has developed an in-depth resource outlining key changes that could impact physician practices in … Read More