Advocacy Update Nov. 18, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / Nov. 18, 2025
Government shutdown ends with a bill including sunscreen and telehealth policies
AADA fights physician assistant independent practice bill in Wisconsin
Federal Advocacy
Government shutdown ends with a bill including sunscreen and telehealth policies
On Nov. 12, President Trump signed a bill to reopen the government. The bill funds agencies through the rest of the fiscal year and includes an extension of the lapsed telehealth flexibilities until Jan. 30, 2026. The package also reauthorized FDA’s over-the-counter (OTC) user fees, which funds the regulation and approval of OTC products. The AADA successfully advocated for the reauthorization to include increased innovation and access to OTC products like the approval of new sunscreens.
State Advocacy
AADA fights physician assistant independent practice bill in Wisconsin
The AADA urged the Wisconsin Senate (PDF) to oppose SB 435, which would authorize physician assistant (PA) independent practice after 7,680 hours of collaborative practice and allow PAs to use the “physician associate” title.
The Senate Committee on Health narrowly advanced the bill, which may soon receive a vote by the full Senate. The Wisconsin Dermatological Society, the Wisconsin Medical Society, the American Medical Association and other medical organizations opposed the bill.
AADA News
Get Involved: Become an AADA Advocacy Key Contact
Are you looking to bring your advocacy efforts to the next level? Consider becoming an AADA Advocacy Key Contact.
AADA Advocacy Key Contacts are grassroots advocates who foster relationships with their lawmakers and help to tell the story of how health care policies impact patients and physicians every day.
Advocacy Key Contacts receive resources and support from AADA staff. Check out the AADA Advocacy Key Contact program for more information.
Already have a relationship with your member of Congress? Let AADA staff know by emailing grassroots@aad.org.
AADA News
Support SkinPAC
As of Nov. 13, SkinPAC has raised $972,790 from 854 individuals. Contribute online at www.skinpac.org or by texting SkinPAC to 71777. 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.
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.
