On May 7, 2025, AOA President Teresa A. Hubka, DO, joined members of the newly formed Democratic Doctors Caucus and other physician leaders on the steps of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to advocate for protecting patients’ access to Medicaid. The event was an opportunity to engage directly with physician lawmakers … Read More
The AOA and its affiliates are leading efforts in multiple states to stop inappropriate scope expansion and preserve high standards in patient care: Nevada: The AOA and the Nevada Osteopathic Medical Association opposed Senate Bill 78, which would eliminate the state’s independent board of osteopathic medicine and place DOs under a joint regulatory board with … Read More
The AOA submitted a letter of support for the CONNECT for Health Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that would permanently extend critical telehealth flexibilities for Medicare beneficiaries. The bill supports use of remote patient monitoring, removes geographic restrictions on care and expands eligible originating sites. The AOA highlighted how telehealth has improved access to care, … Read More
On April 29, the House Committee on Education and Workforce held a markup on the Student Success and Taxpayer Savings Plan, their section of the House’s FY25 budget reconciliation package. The legislation includes proposals to rework the federal student loan system while providing over $330 billion dollars in savings over ten years. Notably, the legislation … Read More
The AOA, along with 55 state and specialty osteopathic associations, recently submitted a letter to Congress opposing the Chiropractor Medicare Coverage Modernization Act (S.106/H.R.539). This legislation would expand the scope of chiropractic services reimbursable under Medicare and allow chiropractors to use the title “physician.” In the letter, the AOA and affiliates argued this would blur … Read More
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