Advocacy Update May 6, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / May 6, 2025
AADA meets with CMS on revising CLIA laboratory director requirements
Minnesota dermatologists oppose allowing optometrists to perform injections
Keep pressure on Congress and register for 2025 Legislative Conference
Regulatory Affairs
AADA meets with CMS on revising CLIA laboratory director requirements
On April 30, the AADA met with CMS officials to continue its advocacy for changing updated CLIA regulations to include board-certified dermatologists who are certified by the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) or the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology (AOBD).
During the meeting, CMS advised that dermatologists should proceed with the standard lab director application process. Dermatologists who receive a denial are encouraged to contact the Academy at regulatory@aad.org. The Academy will coordinate directly with CMS to ensure appropriate review and help resolve any issues.
State Advocacy
Minnesota dermatologists oppose allowing optometrists to perform injections
The Minnesota Dermatological Society asked the state Senate Financial Services Committee to remove language from a budget bill that would allow optometrists to perform injections into the eyelids, the muscles that move the eyes, and numerous spaces within the eyeball itself, including areas underneath the retina. There are only five other states that allow optometrists to do this (Kentucky, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Wyoming). Unfortunately, the bill has already been passed by three other state committees.
Each state has its own scope of practice laws governing what non-physicians can do. The AADA advocates to ensure that each member of the care team is practicing at a level consistent with their training and education — and against scope expansions for physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other non-physicians that threaten patient safety by allowing non-dermatologists to advertise as skin experts.
State Advocacy
New York dermatologists host Advocacy Symposium
The New York State Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery will host an advocacy discussion on May 10 in Albany, N.Y. The discussion will focus on scope of practice threats and opportunities for grassroots engagement.
Access information about the symposium and learn more about state advocacy.
AADA News
Keep pressure on Congress and register for 2025 Legislative Conference
The AADA is committed to continuing the fight for fair Medicare physician payment, but we need your help.
The 2025 Legislative Conference, Sept. 7-9, offers a unique opportunity to convey the impact of Medicare physician payment cuts on health care access with members of Congress.
Space is limited so register now!
AADA News
Contribute to SkinPAC
As of May 1, SkinPAC has raised $615,412 from 603 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.
