Advocacy in Action
ACP Provides Guidance on Health Records of Trump and Harris
Online guide breaks down the public records of the two leading presidential candidates as they relate to ACP priorities.
ACP Turns Up the Heat on Climate Change and Health Advocacy
Updated toolkit provides suggestions for hospitals and physician offices to reduce carbon emissions and educate others about the health risks of climate change.
ACP Policy News
ACP Recommends Public Health Approach for Regulating Cannabis
In new position paper, ACP calls for decriminalization of possession of small amounts of cannabis and rigorous research into its health effects and potential therapeutic uses.
Quick Hits
Apply to be an Intern in ACP's Washington, DC Office
The 2025 ACP Health Policy Internship application cycle is now open through Oct. 31. The annual internship program provides an opportunity for ACP Resident/Fellow and Medical Students members to learn about the legislative process, health policy, and advocacy in organized medicine. Interns will have the opportunity to attend Congressional hearings, coalition meetings, issue briefings, and accompany government affairs staff on lobby visits to members of congress and their staff, political action committee (PAC) fundraisers, and to other events. The interns will participate in ACP's Leadership Day, including assisting with programming during the two-day meeting. The internship lasts from April 1, 2025 to April 30, 2025, and pays a $4,000 stipend. Find additional information and application instructions on ACP's website.
Dr. Jokela on KevinMD: How Physician-Patient Relationships Impact Adult Vaccination Rates
Janet Jokela, MD, MPH, MACP, senior associate dean of engagement at Carle Illinois College of Medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign discusses the importance of physician-patient relationships in boosting immunization rates in her article, “Patients and immunizations: It's a matter of trust” and podcast interview now available on the KevinMD website. Kevin Pho is an internal medicine physician and founder and editor of KevinMD, one of the web's most influential medical websites.
In her column and podcast, Dr. Jokela notes, “We, as internal medicine physicians, must continue to speak up [about vaccines] and be respectfully persistent because if we do not, others will step into that void, and the message conveyed may not be the one we would choose. We also must take care of each other as we do this, as recent years have not been easy.”
Advocacy News
ACP Letter Commenting on 2025 Physician Fee Schedule, Medicare Shared Savings Program, and Quality Payment Program Proposed Rule
Letter with comments and recommendations on policies that would strengthen CMS proposals, improve access to affordable care, advance health equity efforts, and support physicians in delivering quality, innovative care.
ACP Letter of Support for the Protecting Patients from Deceptive Drug Ads Online Act
Letter in support of bipartisan legislation, the Protection Patients from Deceptive Drug Ads Online Act, which would address the surge in misleading prescription drug promotions by new entities such as social media influencers and telehealth companies.
Joint Letter to EPA Regarding California's Clean Air Programs
Joint letter calling on the EPA to authorize pending California clean air programs, which would help reduce the health harms of air pollution from motor vehicles.
Joint Letter to UnitedHealthcare on Commercial Reimbursement for G2211
Joint letter urging UnitedHealthcare to reconsider its discontinuation of commercial plan reimbursement for the new complex care add-on code, G2211, which ensures clinicians are recognized for managing complex and chronic diseases.
Joint Letter in Response to Building Upon 21st Century Cures Act
Joint letter concerning building on the framework of the 21st Century Cures Act and considering policies to accelerate progress in the secure exchange of electronic health information.
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