Supporting the Physiatrist, Strengthening the Specialty

More than 300 physician leaders and medical society staff gathered for the American Medical Association’s (AMA) 2025 State Advocacy Summit (SAS), held from January 9-11. The annual event brought together representatives from state medical societies and national subspecialty organizations to strategize on ways to address the critical healthcare issues that will dominate the 2025 state legislative session.

Dr. Justin Bishop, newly appointed Chair of the State Advocacy Committee (SAC2), was in attendance and joined by Academy staff at the summit. Attendees were given the opportunity to hear from national experts on key issues impacting the practice of medicine at the state level. Topics of discussion included scope of practice expansions, physician wellness, the overdose epidemic, prior authorization, and telehealth access.

The Summit addressed concerns after a recent setback at the federal level in December 2024, when the year-end a congressional spending bill failed to address key PM&R priorities, such as halting cuts to Medicare physician payment rates, implementing bipartisan common-sense prior authorization reforms, providing a long-term extension for federal telehealth flexibilities. State legislatures will continue to play a crucial role in shaping healthcare policy. AAPM&R remains committed to equipping members with the tools and knowledge to navigate these challenges.

“Every year is another year to assess our surroundings and take the opportunity to stand up, speak out, and actively work for change. Now is the time to reach out to your state medical societies and AAPM&R to help turn your concerns into actionable items. Help us help you.” Dr. Justin Bishop, Chair, State Advocacy Committee

As 2025 progresses, AAPM&R’s State Advocacy Committee will continue to monitor legislative developments, collaborate with state medical societies, and advocate for policies that protect the quality of care and the role of PM&R physicians in delivering it. For more information on how to get involved in state-level advocacy, visit the state advocacy webpage or reach out to our Manager of State Affairs, Devon McFedries, at dmcfedries@aapmr.org. 

More than 300 physician leaders and medical society staff gathered for the American Medical Association’s (AMA) 2025 State Advocacy Summit (SAS), held from January 9-11. The annual event brought together representatives from state medical societies and national subspecialty organizations to strategize on ways to address the critical healthcare issues that will dominate the 2025 state legislative session.

Dr. Justin Bishop, newly appointed Chair of the State Advocacy Committee (SAC2), was in attendance and joined by Academy staff at the summit. Attendees were given the opportunity to hear from national experts on key issues impacting the practice of medicine at the state level. Topics of discussion included scope of practice expansions, physician wellness, the overdose epidemic, prior authorization, and telehealth access.

The Summit addressed concerns after a recent setback at the federal level in December 2024, when the year-end a congressional spending bill failed to address key PM&R priorities, such as halting cuts to Medicare physician payment rates, implementing bipartisan common-sense prior authorization reforms, providing a long-term extension for federal telehealth flexibilities. State legislatures will continue to play a crucial role in shaping healthcare policy. AAPM&R remains committed to equipping members with the tools and knowledge to navigate these challenges.

“Every year is another year to assess our surroundings and take the opportunity to stand up, speak out, and actively work for change. Now is the time to reach out to your state medical societies and AAPM&R to help turn your concerns into actionable items. Help us help you.” Dr. Justin Bishop, Chair, State Advocacy Committee

As 2025 progresses, AAPM&R’s State Advocacy Committee will continue to monitor legislative developments, collaborate with state medical societies, and advocate for policies that protect the quality of care and the role of PM&R physicians in delivering it. For more information on how to get involved in state-level advocacy, visit the state advocacy webpage or reach out to our Manager of State Affairs, Devon McFedries, at dmcfedries@aapmr.org.