Public Policy & Advocacy

Massachusetts Chapter Advocacy Mission

Our mission is to advocate for policy change that improve access, quality and effectiveness of health care for patients in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In addition to a passionate advocacy for our patients, we advocate for policies that enhance the practice of medicine for physicians and allow us to provide the highest quality, efficient care to our communities. 

The committee has 20-30 members that meet quarterly to discuss policy issues and advocate for them through various efforts including speaking with legislators and providing education to Chapter members, policy makers, and the general public. In between meetings, subcommittees and working groups move forward with advocacy efforts through collaborations with allied community organizations. 

HPPC Co-Chairs
Dr. Sunny Kung & Dr. Hemal Sampat
Contact: maacp2@mms.org

Save the Date - 2025 Advocacy Day at the Statehouse - Boston
Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Bills Focused on at Advocacy Day at the State House 2024 (March 13, 2024) Boston, MA

S.1242/H.1981 An Act Relative to Preventing Overdose Deaths and Increasing Access to Treatment
Sponsors: Sen. Julian Cyr, Reps. Dylan Fernandes & Marjorie Decker

H.604 An Act Relative to Routine Childhood Immunizations
S.1391 An Act Relative to Vaccines and Preventing Future Disease Outbreaks
Sponsors: Rep. Andres X. Vargas, Sen. Edward Kennedy

S.1249 An Act Relative to Reducing Administrative Burden
H.1143 An Act to Improve the Health Insurance Prior Authorization
Sponsors: Sen. Cindy Friedman, (former) Rep. Jon Santiago

S.655/H.986 An Act Relative to Telehealth and Digital Equity for Patients
Sponsors: Sen. Adam Gomez, Rep. Marjorie Decker
 

ACP 2025 Health Policy Internship Application Cycle Now Open

ACP is now accepting applications from medical students and residents for the 2025 Health Policy Internship Program, which will take place April 1-April 30, 2025. The ACP Health Policy Internship provides a multifaceted opportunity to learn about the legislative process, health policy, and advocacy in organized medicine. 

One resident/fellow and one medical student will be selected to work in ACP’s Washington, DC office with governmental affairs and public policy staff.  We encourage you to share this opportunity with any students and residents who may be interested. The application closes on October 31, 2024. For more information about the program, please visit the Health Policy Internship Program page or contact Josh Serchen at jserchen@acponline.org with any questions.

ACP Leadership Day on Capitol Hill

ACP’s annual national advocacy event, Leadership Day, will be held in 2025 on Monday, April 28 – Tuesday, April 29 at the Westin Washington, DC Downtown Hotel, located at 999 9th Street, NW, in Washington, DC. Please mark your calendars so you can join us!

Leadership Day enables the College to increase its presence on Capitol Hill and advocate directly with Congress in support of legislation directly impacting internal medicine physicians and their patients. ACP members will receive in-depth briefings on the College’s legislative priorities and an opportunity to meet with elected officials. To help our members prepare for Leadership Day, we have developed a frequently asked questions (FAQs) document with logistical information for the event. The FAQs can be accessed here.

Note that Leadership Day is being held earlier next year (in April) and on a Monday – Tuesday combination (not on Tuesday – Wednesday as is typical).

More details about the event will follow, but if you have questions regarding Leadership Day in the meantime, please contact Shuan Tomlinson at stomlinson@acponline.org or 800-338 -2746, ext. 4547.

State Health Policy

ACP's State Health Policy program helps internal medicine physicians gain influence in their state capitols on issues affecting them and their patients. Learn more about key policy issues impacting states, how ACP members can act, and other available tools and resources.

Latest News

Resolutions

ACP Board of Governors Resolution Guide for ACP Members - A how-to on drafting a resolution that allows members to shape ACP policy that impacts the practice of internal medicine.
Electronic Resolution System - (Member Log-in) find Chapter Sponsored Resolutions
The Policy Library - (Member Log-in) a repository of ACP's current and historic policies and the Policy Compendium 

Advocates of Internal Medicine Network (AIMn)

AIMn Logo

Join colleagues in the Advocates for Internal Medicine Network (AIMn) in advocating for the interests of internal medicine in Washington, D.C. The AIMn program is for ACP members interested in participating in federal advocacy. It is designed to help members engage with their federal lawmakers on policy issues important to ACP and internal medicine. Member log-in is required to access legislative action alerts. 

Legislative Action Alerts