Capitol Hill Report: Physicians are essential in local advocacy
August 26, 2024
Issue in focus
State advocacy staff from medical and specialty societies nationwide recently convened in Maryland for the American Medical Association State Advocacy Roundtable. This annual gathering serves as a platform to reflect on the past year's successes and prepare for the challenges ahead. Among the achievements celebrated were four prior authorization reform bills, strongly supported by the AAN, that were signed into law in Colorado, New Jersey, Vermont, and Oklahoma.
The roundtable also provided an opportunity to explore emerging issues in state legislatures, with particular focus on the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, defending physician scope of practice, and strategies for supporting physician wellness programs.
A major theme throughout was the critical role of physician engagement in state advocacy. Physicians are essential in shaping health care policy at the county, city, and state levels, with local lawmakers often relying on their expertise to guide decision-making. Multiple examples highlighted how physician involvement was pivotal in either advancing beneficial legislation or preventing harmful policies from being enacted. Each year, states propose legislation that can significantly affect patient care—some laws enhance access and quality, while others risk creating burdensome barriers.
As the AAN works to represent its members at the state level, the presence and voices of individual physicians often make a significant impact. As the AAN prepares for 2025 legislative sessions, the Advocacy Committee has identified key issues to address, including step therapy, prior authorization, and defending the scope of practice in neurology.
If you’re interested in getting involved or are already active in state advocacy, connect with the AAN advocacy staff by emailing advocacy@aan.com.
Latest advocacy news
Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program
Earlier this month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced the negotiated prices for the first ten Medicare Part D medications selected for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. The AAN has been a for policies that give federal agencies the authority to negotiate contracts with manufacturers of covered Part D drugs.
Non-compete ban delayed
A federal judge set aside last week a that would have broadly banned non-compete agreements, including those impacting health care providers. Pending further litigation, the rule will no longer go into effect in early September.
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