AMA Successfully Fights Scope of Practice Expansions

Overview

• The American Medical Association (AMA) has actively defended the practice of medicine against the expansion of nonphysician scopes that threaten patient safety.
• The AMA emphasizes physician-led care and fights against inappropriate scope expansions by nonphysicians.

Importance of Scope of Practice

• Scope of practice determines the procedures, actions, and processes that a healthcare practitioner is permitted to undertake.
• Ensures patient safety and quality care by maintaining boundaries between physician and nonphysician roles.

Advocacy Efforts

• State-Level Victories:

  • Georgia: Defeated bills SB 102 and HB 445 that allowed nurse anesthetists to practice without physician supervision; Passed SB 197 to strengthen advertising laws.
  • Mississippi: Defeated all eleven scope of practice bills introduced.
  • South Dakota: Defeated SB 175 for the third time, which aimed to provide physician assistants full practice authority.
  • Indiana: Successfully fought against four bills aiming to expand nonphysician practice scopes.

• Federal-Level Efforts:

  • Opposes several bills like S. 131/H.R. 618, S. 799/H.R. 1610, and H.R. 1770, concerning nonphysician roles in federal compensation and Medicare coverage.
  • Engaged in administrative commentaries and opposed the VA Federal Supremacy Project to maintain state practice standards.

Funding and Resources

• AMA’s Scope of Practice Partnership (SOPP), formed in 2006, comprises 105 organizations and has awarded over $3.5 million in grants to combat scope expansions.
• Provides advocacy tools including model bills, legislative templates, comprehensive modules, and state law analyses to fight scope expansions.

AMA Truth in Advertising Campaign

• Launched to ensure patients understand the qualifications of their healthcare providers, promoting informed decision-making.

Legislative Engagement

• The AMA regularly communicates with legislators to oppose more than 20 state bills that risk expanding nonphysician practice scopes.
• Continuously provides comments and opposition letters to federal administration on scope expansion issues.

Conclusion

• The AMA's persistent advocacy ensures that healthcare remains safe and effective by preserving the integrity of physician-led care.
• Membership benefits include advocacy support and access to a range of resources tailored for medical professionals.