State PM&R Societies provide a mechanism for greater opportunity of involvement and participation in grassroots advocacy through individual initiatives and working collaboratively with the state medical associations and other specialty societies. The state societies are vital for the specialty in monitoring the implementation of legislation such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. State PM&R societies also have a role in participating with the Medicare Contractor Advisory Committees (CACs), a forum for physicians to participate in the development of Local Coverage Determinations in an advisory capacity. Learn more about state societies and to find resources to start your own.
Tools to Help You Start a PMR Society in Your State
If you are interested in beginning a PMR Society in your state, use the sample resources provided below to help you get started.
Ways to Connect
AAPM&R launched the PhyzForum advocacy tool as an innovative approach to help you connect with others in your state and across states. PhyzForum provides members with a medium to connect with other members to discuss issues at the state level regarding the practice of medicine across a range of health policy issues.
States are in a unique position and play a critical role in national efforts to control health care spending, adopt electronic health records, and implement health care quality improvements. Additionally, there are opportunities for involvement as states create health insurance exchanges, consider expansion to certain Medicaid criteria, consider scope of practice expansion requests, and implement the essential health benefits package. PhyzForum provides members with the opportunity to conceptualize solutions and share current activities and victories in the health policy realm. We encourage members to utilize this resource to connect with colleagues regarding issues they are experiencing in their state or across states.