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Sitting health care worker in a busy hallway
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6 Min Read

1 in 3 NPs and PAs switch specialties at least once in career

New AMA survey finds that when nurse practitioners and physician assistants switch up, they often do so without formal training in the specialty.

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Scope of Practice
Fighting for Physicians
Profiles positioned as data points across a map of the U.S.
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7 Min Read

What tops the state advocacy agenda for doctors in 2026

Scope creep is still on physicians’ radar, says new AMA survey. New trends on Medicaid, health AI and medical licensure also gain ground.

State Advocacy
Pharmacist filling prescription
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6 Min Read

Investigating pharmacists’ refusal to fill valid physician orders

Some pharmacists are substituting their judgment for that of ordering physicians. The AMA opposes such actions.

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Scope of Practice
Fighting for Physicians
Wood poles with question mark symbols
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6 Min Read

PAs push to enshrine “physician associate” term in law

The “wholly unnecessary” change from “physician assistant” would confuse patients, waste money and undermine the physician-led care team.

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Scope of Practice
Fighting for Physicians
Pharmacist speaks with customer
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5 Min Read

Physician-led care is best prescription for health of nation

Allowing pharmacists to diagnose conditions and prescribe medications far exceeds their training and jeopardizes patient health. 

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Scope of Practice
Leadership Viewpoints
2025 Interim Meeting Reference Committee B
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6 Min Read

4 ways the AMA is working to stop scope creep

Delegates strengthen AMA advocacy for physician-led, team-based care in ophthalmology, obstetrics, pathology and more.

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Scope of Practice
Fighting for Physicians
Patient in a hospital CT scan
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5 Min Read

Who’s interpreting the imaging? Training makes a difference

Study of 1.4 million Medicare claims shows much higher rates of repeat imaging when interpreted by nonphysician providers compared with radiologists.

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Scope of Practice
Fighting for Physicians
Figure of a doctor examining a giant question mark
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3 Min Read

Federal court agrees: NPs can’t call themselves “doctor”

The AMA and California Medical Association provided evidence on patient confusion over nonphysician providers’ titles and training. 

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Scope of Practice
Fighting for Physicians
Health care worker comforts to elderly patient at home
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6 Min Read

How collaborative care can help close the mental health care gap

As some states consider letting psychologists prescribe, the evidence shows a physician-led approach to mental health is the better way forward. 

series
Scope of Practice
Fighting for Physicians