Winter 2025 Advocacy Days

Interested in making an impact on legislation affecting surgeons and our patients in the state of Florida? On behalf of the Advocacy Committee, we are seeking Florida Chapter Champions to join us for the upcoming Advocacy Days being held at the FMA offices and “on the hill” in Tallahassee, Florida. Dates to be determined.

Complete the RSVP form (no experience necessary!)

Summer 2025 Advocacy Updates

The 2025 legislative session extended well beyond its scheduled end, but the Florida Medical Association (FMA)delivered major wins for physicians statewide. Here are the key takeaways as recorded by Advocacy Chair, Michael Patete, MD:

Medicaid Pediatric Reimbursement Fix
A state-directed study will ensure Medicaid rate increases for pediatric care are properly reaching physicians. This forces insurance companies to pay physicians correctly and remit any underpayments—no extra steps required by doctors.

Continued Funding for Physician Incentives

  • FRAME Program: $31M secured for rural primary care loan repayment (up to $150K per physician).

  • Graduate Medical Education: $86M preserved to expand residency slots, including added support for behavioral health.

Scope of Practice Protections
The FMA successfully defeated all proposed expansions to non-physician scope of practice, protecting the integrity and safety of medical care in Florida.

Veto of Harmful Malpractice Bill
After decades of advocacy, the FMA secured a veto of a wrongful death bill that would have increased non-economic damage payouts in malpractice cases—a huge win for physicians.

FMA PAC: Advocacy in Action
As the election season heats up, legislators are turning to the FMA PAC for support. Join the PAC and 1000+ Club to help ensure medicine continues to have a strong voice in Florida politics.

Thank You to Our Advocates
Special thanks to FMA President Lisa Cosgrove, our physician leaders, and the entire legislative affairs team for their dedication this session.

February, 2025 Advocacy Days

A group of ten men in business suits standing in a conference room, smiling at the camera.
Group of eight people standing together in a room with an American flag and a framed picture of a building in the background. They are dressed in business attire and are smiling.
Seven men stand behind a large circular marble display with the Great Seal of the State of Florida in the center, surrounded by smaller seals of Florida's counties, inside a government building lobby.
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