In a May 15 statement, the Academy and five peer physician organizations strongly objected(www.groupof6.org) to aggressive political interference in state legislatures across the United States “that inappropriately interfere with the patient-physician relationship, unnecessarily regulate the evidence-based practice of medicine and, in some cases, even criminalize physicians who deliver safe, legal and necessary medical care.”

In a May 8 hearing, AAFP President John Cullen, M.D., told the Senate Finance Committee that MACRA's framework must be improved to address the challenges it now poses for family physicians. The Academy provided lawmakers with written testimony outlining five areas of concern, with Cullen drawing the committee's attention to two of them: creating a culture focused on patient care, and eliminating the complexity in MIPS scoring.

The Academy has gained ground in its ongoing push for drug-pricing transparency. Reflecting recent AAFP advocacy — and over considerable pharmaceutical industry opposition — HHS on May 8 announced revised policy(s3.amazonaws.com) requiring the inclusion of prescription drug prices in TV commercials. The Academy applauds this move to better inform primary care patients.

Help Fight for Family Medicine

Family medicine is a worthy fight. Lend your voice to the issues most important to you as a family physician with the AAFP’s Speak Out tool, and access toolkits to help you affect change in your area.

Get involved in advocacy with the AAFP Grassroots Toolkit >>
Unite with your fellow family physicians in the Family Medicine Action Network >>
Reach out to Congress using our Speak Out tool >>

Advocacy By Topic

Stay informed on both state and federal issues using our topic-focused repository. Learn how the AAFP is advancing family medicine via letters and statements on the issues facing family physicians.