Advocacy Update June 17, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / June 17, 2025
Rhode Island dermatologists advocate for medical spa safety standards
AADA recommends Medicare reforms to reduce regulatory burden
AADA pressures CMS to correct CLIA lab director oversight; CMS to work directly with dermatologists
State Advocacy
Rhode Island dermatologists advocate for medical spa safety standards
The Medical Aesthetic Practices Safety Act (PDF), which the Rhode Island House Health and Human Services Committee is considering, ignores much of the 2024 Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) Guidance for Medical Spas and IV infusion centers. The bill does not define cosmetic medical procedures as the practice of medicine and surgery, and would expand the scope of practice of certified nurse practitioners to include surgical procedures. RIDS requested the inclusion of truth in advertising language to bring clarity to patients about who is performing procedures.
RIDS also hosted its recent “Derm on the Hill” day at the Rhode Island state capitol.
RIDS honored some of its advocates in the past year with “Skin Champion Awards.” The RIDS executive board, including Drs. Reuben Reich (president), Valerie Tokarz (secretary), Kathleen Carney-Godley (past-president) and Christopher DiMarco (treasurer), were honored with a personal recognition at the start of the House session and a resolution to declare May Skin Cancer Awareness Month in Rhode Island was passed.
Regulatory Affairs
AADA recommends Medicare reforms to reduce regulatory burden
In response to CMS’s Request for Information to reduce regulatory burden and streamline Medicare requirements, the AADA outlined key recommendations to improve efficiency (PDF) without compromising program integrity or patient care.
The AADA’s comments focused on simplifying Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) documentation, reducing prior authorization barriers in Medicare Advantage, eliminating duplicative registry requirements, and enhancing transparency in Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) policy development.
Medicare Physician Payment Reform
MedPAC proposes changes to Medicare physician payment
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) released its June 2025 Report to Congress (PDF), offering recommendations to improve how Medicare pays physicians.
MedPAC recommended replacing the current payment update formula with one tied to a portion of the Medicare Economic Index — for example, MEI minus 1% — to help keep physician payment more predictable and support continued participation in Medicare. The Commission estimates this change would increase Medicare spending by $15 to $30 billion over five years and raise premiums and cost-sharing for beneficiaries.
MedPAC also calls for more accurate payment rates that better reflect the actual costs of delivering care. The report recommends updating outdated cost data and re-examining how Medicare values different services.
MedPAC is an independent congressional agency that advises Congress on issues affecting the Medicare program and does not have regulatory authority.
Regulatory Affairs
AADA pressures CMS to correct CLIA lab director oversight; CMS to work directly with dermatologists
Due to the AADA’s continued advocacy, CMS agreed to work directly with individual dermatologists experiencing issues with their CLIA lab director applications. The Academy remains actively engaged in pressing for revisions to the new CLIA requirements to ensure all board-certified dermatologists are eligible to serve as lab directors in dermatology practices.
AADA members are encouraged to continue submitting applications through the standard process. If you encounter challenges or delays, please contact the AADA at regulatory@aad.org. The Academy will coordinate with CMS to help facilitate review and support resolution of any issues.
AADA News
Support dermatology congressional champions through SkinPAC
As of June 12, SkinPAC has raised $692,652 from 640 individuals. 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.
