Getting Started

  1. Know your legislators: Use POMA’s Find Your State Lawmaker tool to identify your representative and senator. Store their contact information and follow them on social media.
  2. Stay informed: Subscribe to Under the DOme—POMA’s advocacy newsletter.
  3. Join the Osteopathic Advocacy Network: The AOA’s network lets you sign up for newsletters and automatically send templated, customizable letters to lawmakers.
  4. Support POMPAC: Contributions to the POMA Political Action Committee amplify the osteopathic voice in Harrisburg and beyond.

Communicating with Legislators

  • Focus on one issue: Identify the bill number and explain why it matters to you and your patients. Use personal stories for greater impact.
  • Be polite and direct: Avoid threats and clichés; ask for your legislator’s position on the issue.
  • Follow meeting etiquette: Introduce yourself and your purpose, designate a lead speaker if you’re part of a group, stay on message and leave time for questions.
  • Be candid and concise: Legislators appreciate honesty and concise information. Personal anecdotes and factual data strengthen your case.
  • Listen and build relationships: Respectful dialogue goes a long way—even when lawmakers disagree. In-person visits carry more influence than phone calls or emails.
  • Write meaningful letters: Handwritten or personalized letters using personal stationery carry more weight than form letters.

Issues 101: POMA’s Key Advocacy Priorities

The issues below directly impact osteopathic physicians and patient care in Pennsylvania.

CRNP Scope of Practice

Protecting physician-led, team-based care

POMA opposes legislation that would allow Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs) to practice medicine independently without physician oversight. While DOs value collaborative care, independent practice proposals raise concerns about patient safety, continuity of care, and accountability.

POMA supports:

  • Physician-led teams and clear clinical accountability
  • Standards that match medical responsibility to education and training
  • Practical solutions that expand access while protecting quality care

Other Changes to Pennsylvania Scope of Practice

Ensuring training matches responsibility across healthcare

Scope-of-practice proposals often expand clinical authority for non-physician providers without comparable education or residency training.

  • Prevent unsafe expansions
  • Maintain clear role definitions
  • Support physician-led care teams

Venue Rule

Keeping liability fair

Changes to the venue rule allow cases to be filed anywhere in the Commonwealth, increasing litigation risk and threatening access to care.

Increasing Physician Reimbursement

Supporting sustainable practice

  • Fair reimbursement
  • Medicaid improvements
  • Reduced administrative burden

Opposing a Statewide False Claims Act

Fighting fraud fairly

  • Target real fraud
  • Protect good-faith providers
  • Avoid excessive enforcement

Take Action

Your voice matters—and it’s easy to use it.

Take Action

Questions?

If you’re interested in getting more involved, contact Tyler Burke at [email protected].