Advocacy Update August 12, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / August 12, 2025
AADA advocates for state advocacy priorities at national meeting of state legislators
AADA’s advocacy newsletter wins award for publication excellence
Legislative affairs
Contact Congress to urge support for sunscreen reform
On Aug. 6, the AADA asked (PDF) congressional leadership to support H.R. 3686/S. 2491, the SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act by including this legislation in the reauthorization of the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program before it expires on Sept. 30.
Despite Congress passing the Sunscreen Innovation Act in 2014 to improve the FDA’s approval of new sunscreen ingredients, the U.S. has fallen further behind other countries in sunscreen innovation and patient safety. The FDA has not made any new sunscreen ingredient approvals in more than 20 years. This legislation would streamline the FDA’s review process for assessing the safety and effectiveness of new ingredients used in over-the-counter sunscreens.
It is essential for AADA members to contact their legislators today to ask them to support the SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act. The U.S. needs the act to help us catch up to other countries, protect public health, and prevent skin cancer.
Regulatory affairs
AADA urges HHS to study step therapy requirements’ impact
On Aug. 4, the AADA joined more than 50 members of the Step Therapy Coalition in asking the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) to conduct a new study on the impacts on Medicare beneficiary access to medically necessary care (PDF) created by Medicare Advantage plans’ use of step therapy for Part B drugs.
The group highlighted how this “fail-first” policy disrupts clinical decision-making and delays treatment. The letter also called on the OIG to thoroughly investigate these impacts and issue a public report with its findings to increase transparency and help guide policy changes that protect patient access to care.
State advocacy
AADA advocates for state advocacy priorities at national meeting of state legislators
NCSL’s Legislative Summit is a bipartisan gathering of state legislators and their staff to connect, collaborate, and share best practices to address common policy challenges.
The AADA exhibited as part of a joint booth with the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, American Society of Anesthesiologists, American College of Surgeons, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, Federation of State Medical Boards, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants.
Transition news
AADA congratulates new CDC Director Susan Monarez
On Aug. 5, the AADA sent a letter to Susan Monarez, PhD, congratulating her on her Senate confirmation (PDF) as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The letter underscores the AADA’s willingness to be a resource to the CDC and the Academy’s enthusiasm to collaborate with the agency to address complex challenges in disease control and prevention.
AADA News
AADA’s advocacy newsletter wins award for publication excellence
The AADA recently received a communications award for publication excellence at the 37th Annual APEX Awards for Publication Excellence in the 1-2 person-produced newsletter category.
The APEX awards are based on excellence in graphic design, editorial content, and the ability to achieve overall communications excellence. APEX Awards of Excellence recognize exceptional entries in each of the individual subcategories which include writing, electronic media, and newsletters. Out of over 1,000 entries, only 422 APEX Awards of Excellence were recognized in 100 individual subcategories.
AADA News
Join your colleagues and contribute to SkinPAC
As of Aug. 6, SkinPAC has raised $773,117 from 694 individuals. Help us keep up the momentum as we advocate for Medicare physician payment reform! SkinPAC helps strengthen our relationships on Capitol Hill and reinforces our grassroots and lobbying efforts.
Contribute online at www.skinpac.org or by texting SkinPAC to 71777. Email skinpac@aad.org with any questions.
The political purpose of the American Academy of Dermatology Association Political Action Committee ("SkinPAC") is to solicit and receive contributions to be used to make political campaign expenditures to those candidates for elective office, and other federal political committees, who demonstrate understanding and interest in the view and goals of the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Contributions to SkinPAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to SkinPAC must be made from your funds and may not be reimbursed. SkinPAC cannot accept contributions from corporate accounts. Any recommended contribution amount is merely a suggestion. All AADA members have the right to contribute more or less or refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal law prohibits us from accepting contributions from foreign nationals. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, physical address, occupation, and name of the employer whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year.
