State medical societies in the United States have identified key legislative priorities for the year 2026 as physicians confront the challenges in healthcare delivery. The American Medical Association (AMA) is addressing physician workforce shortages, as well as managing the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) in the healthcare sector. All these key notes were emphasized during the AMA annual State Advocacy Summit, where physician leaders and medical society executives discussed the policy landscape and strategies for the coming year.
A recent survey revealed that the top priority for 2026 is scope of practice, with 89% of respondents saying it is their most important issue. Scope of practice debated, focus on efforts by non-physician healthcare professionals like pharmacists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, optometrists, and certified registered nurse anaesthetists for expanding the range of medical services they can provide independently. Physician groups argued that such expansions could jeopardize patient safety if practitioners perform their medical services beyond training. The AMA has long advocated for physician-led, team-based care and works with state as well as specialty medical societies to oppose legislation that would allow nonphysicians to perform services that were traditionally reserved for doctors. In 2025 alone, more than 150 scope-expansion bills were defeated through coordinated advocacy efforts.
To support these efforts, AMA continues to focus heavily on its Scope of Practice Partnership, which provides grants to state medical societies to strengthen advocacy campaigns. In order to maintain the safety of patients, the AMA has contributed millions of dollars to support all these initiatives, as well as plans to increase funding.
This survey also highlighted growing concerns about workforce distribution among non-physician healthcare providers. New data indicate that most nurse practitioners and physician assistants trained for primary care are leaving those roles and moving into specialized medical departments without additional certification or formal training. Physician leaders warn that this trend may create risks for patients if providers lack sufficient expertise to manage certain conditions.
Medicaid policy emerged as the second most significant concern, cited by 72% of respondents, beyond scope-of-practice issues. Major changes to Medicaid are being implemented after the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025. The legislation introduces broad reforms affecting Medicaid coverage, financing, and program design across states. Among the changes is the expiration of incentives established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which encouraged states to expand Medicaid coverage for low-income adults. Physicians and state medical associations are working together to ensure that these reforms do not decrease patient healthcare access or weaken insurance coverage.
Another major priority is addressing the physician workforce shortage, which continues to strain health systems and limit healthcare access among many communities. State policymakers and medical associations are exploring several solutions, which include new licensing pathways for internationally trained physicians. Legislation offering such pathways has already been enacted in at least 18 states. These policies are being developed in collaboration with organizations like the Federation of State Medical Boards and the Accreditation Council to establish guidelines for safely integrating foreign-trained doctors into the U.S. healthcare workforce.
Medical licensure reform more broadly is a major advocacy focus. Physicians are advocating for policies that reduce administrative burdens and streamline licensing processes, while maintaining high standards for patient safety and professional competence. Public health issues also remain a top priority, which reflects ongoing concerns regarding public health, disease prevention, and the ability of healthcare systems to respond effectively to emerging challenges.
The rapid expansion of AI tools in healthcare is shaping the legislative environment in many states. By mid-2025, more than 250 health-related AI bills had been introduced across 34 states. These proposals address issues like transparency, consumer protection, and insurer use, as well as clinical decision-making. The AMA has launched initiatives to ensure that AI tools support physicians rather than replace them, enhancing both patient care and clinician experience. The 2026 advocacy agenda reflects physicians’ concerns about maintaining safe, high-quality care amid major technological, workforce, and policy changes.
Reference: American Medical Association. What tops the state advocacy agenda for doctors in 2026. 2026. What tops the state advocacy agenda for doctors in 2026
