Sept. 20, 2018: State Advocacy Update

The American Medical Association joined the California Medical Association in urging California Governor Edmund G. Brown to sign a bill that would enact sweeping patient protections for patients with substance use disorders. Assembly Bill 2384 would, among other things, remove barriers such as prior authorization and step therapy for medication assisted treatment (MAT).

In a letter (PDF) to Gov. Brown, AMA Executive Vice President and CEO James L. Madara, MD, emphasized that "MAT is proven to save lives," and that A.B. 2384 "by removing barriers, will unquestionably help save many lives."

• Sept. 20, 2018: Advocacy spotlight on the Proposed 2019 Medicare QPP rule: Top 7 things doctors should know 
• Sept. 20, 2018: National Advocacy Update