Advocacy Update Jan. 13, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE / Jan. 13, 2026
AADA raised concerns over revised military shaving waiver policies
Massachusetts dermatologists: Help urge passage of modifier 25 bill
State advocacy
AADA and the New York State Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery urge NYC Council to investigate medspas
In light of a recent investigation by the New York City Council (PDF) into improperly licensed medical spas (medspas) in NYC, the AADA and the New York State Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery (NYSSDDS) join the New York City Council in urging New York state lawmakers to pass legislation requiring medical spas and other appearance-enhancement businesses, including cosmetology and nail establishments, to clearly disclose to consumers that they are not licensed to perform medical procedures. Such facilities should be required to publicly post and educate consumers about the specific procedures they are legally prohibited from performing as non-physicians.
We also join the New York City Council in urging New York State to launch a public education campaign informing consumers about the risks of receiving cosmetic medical procedures in unlicensed or improperly supervised facilities.
Drug access
Kenalog availability update
The AADA received reports from members regarding ongoing challenges in obtaining triamcinolone (Kenalog®). Staff have been monitoring availability and recently met with a triamcinolone manufacturer, which indicated that the shortage is expected to be resolved in early 2026.
Subsequent member feedback suggests that availability may be improving in some regions, while shortages persist in others.
The AADA will continue to monitor supply conditions and assess member-reported impacts as additional information becomes available.
If you have questions or would like to share additional information, please contact AADA staff at regulatory@aad.org.
Regulatory news
AADA raised concerns over revised military shaving waiver policies
The AADA remains concerned that new military shaving policies may negatively impact service members with skin conditions such as pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB).
Therefore, the AADA asked the Department of War (DoW) to reconsider the new, more restrictive criteria (PDF) for issuing and maintaining shaving waivers as they may worsen disease severity and could adversely affect service members’ health, performance, and career advancement.
State Advocacy
Massachusetts dermatologists: Help urge passage of modifier 25 bill
Contact the Massachusetts Joint Health Care Financing Committee today to support H.4338/S.810, which would prohibit insurers from reducing reimbursement when modifier 25 is utilized.
The AADA and Massachusetts Academy of Dermatology oppose these detrimental reimbursement practices by insurers that would force patients to schedule another appointment for necessary care, thus incurring additional co-pays and deductibles, and further disadvantaging low income and geographically isolated patients.
The bills are pending before the Massachusetts Joint Health Care Financing Committee. Both bills were reported favorably by the Joint Financial Services Committee in July 2025.
AADA News
Save the date: SkinPAC events at Annual Meeting
SkinPAC is excited to host two events for our 2026 donors at the Annual Meeting in Denver this March. Our annual SkinPAC Donor Reception will take place on March 26 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. MT at the Tamayo Restaurant (1400 Larimer St, Denver, CO). This event is open to all 2026 SkinPAC members who contribute $250+ and residents who contribute $25+. Please RSVP to skinpac@aad.org.
SkinPAC will also host our annual SkinPAC Donor Lounge, open to all 2026 members at the Silver ($1,000) level and above ($100 for residents). The lounge will be in Rooms 111 and 113 of the Colorado Convention Center and will serve as a fun place to relax and connect with colleagues during the Annual Meeting, as well as enjoy breakfast, lunch, and snacks. The SkinPAC Donor Lounge will be open during exhibit hall hours on March 27 and 28 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) and from 12-3 p.m. on March 29.
AADA News
Kick off 2026 by contributing to SkinPAC
Your contribution will help ensure we have the resources we need to ramp up our fight to reform Medicare physician payment. 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.
