Take Action
Proposed OMB Uniform Guidance Changes
AAP's Public Policy Committee is closely monitoring proposed changes to federal grant guidance that may significantly impact rehabilitation research, academic medicine, and physician-scientist development in physiatry.
As an academic organization with research at the core of our mission, AAP is committed to ensuring our members understand these proposed changes and have the resources needed to make their voices heard.
We are currently developing AAP’s formal comment letter and encourage you to take action and add your voice to this important conversation.
The public comment period is open through July 13, 2026.
Advocating for Physiatrists & Patients
Review the current polices that are advocated for by the AAP.
Board of Trustees and Public Policy Committee
The AAP’s Board of Trustees and Public Policy Committee advocate and increase awareness on issues related to research conduct and funding, undergraduate and graduate medical education, disability rights, and other issues affecting physiatrists and their patients on Capitol Hill.
We also want to help you be successful physician advocates! Read our Advocacy Pearls created by the AAP's Board of Trustees, Public Policy Committee and lobbyists Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP.
Learn more about advocacy, meeting with your legislator, and lobbying in the AAP's "Advocacy in Action" Video Library.
Representatives of Interest
The AAP’s Public Policy Committee maintains a listing of key members of interest in the House, Senate, and relevant committees.
Sign-On Letters
The AAP periodically supports and signs on to legislative letters.
- Federal Fiscal Year 2021 Proposal to Allow Non-physician Practitioners to Perform Certain IRF Coverage Requirements that Are Currently Required to Be Performed by a Rehabilitation Physician
- Friends of VA Medical Care and Health Research (FOVA) Recommendations for FY 2020
- The Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research Recommendations for FY 2020
- Urge to negotiate new budget agreement to avert funding cuts for critical non-defense discretionary (NDD) programs
- (H.R. 6157) Thank you letter for FY 2019 funding increases for medical and public health research
- Extensive Use of Prior Authorization in Medicare Advantage Plans Restricts Access to Medical Rehabilitation for Medicare Beneficiaries
- Bipartisan House Letter to CMS Administrator Seema Verma Regarding Use of Prior Authorization in Medicare Advantage Plans
- Opposition to Proposed Transfer of National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIIDILRR) to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Friends of VA Medical Care and Health Research (FOVA) Recommendations for FY 2019
- Access to Rehabilitation Services and Devices under the American Health Care Act
- Serious Concerns Regarding Access to Rehabilitation Care in Health Care Reform Legislation
- Support for $722 million for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical and Prosthetic Research Program included in the amended Fiscal Year 2018 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill (S 1557)
- CDC Use of Certain Words in FY 2019 Budget Documents
- Opposition to prohibitions or restrictions that would further impede the use of federal funding for fetal tissue or embryonic stem cell research
Contact Your Representative
Your elected officials need to hear from you! Legislators are greatly influenced by what they know and opinions they hear - especially from the people they represent. By communicating with a state legislator or a member of Congress, you can have a profound impact on the government policies that most affect your specialty.
They hear from constituents and special interest groups about many diverse issues ranging from education to transportation to foreign policy. They also need to hear from physicians that treat people with disabilities and chronic conditions. Do not assume they know all the facts or challenges for these patients in your community. It is incumbent upon you to provide them with the information they need to fully understand.
You should communicate with legislators from around your state, not just the elected representative from your district. It is important to represent the people you treat.