| Dear ANA Members,
The ANA joins forces with like-minded professional organizations to advocate for national policy that protects high-quality research and patient care. Here are a few examples of what we’ve been up to this year: The ANA Public Policy & Relations Committee is in the process of submitting a letter to congressional representatives in support of the bipartisan “Safe Step Act.” The Act would regulate insurance companies’ use of step therapy protocols, which require patients to try and fail on an insurance-approved medication before they can be given an alternate prescription. This “fail first” approach can cause life-threatening delays for patients with chronic neurological illnesses. H.R.2279, introduced in the House on April 10, would mandate common-sense exceptions to the step therapy process. The Act has been supported by at least 20 medical and scientific organizations across specialties. The ANA has also endorsed: An advocacy letter by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) calling on Senate leaders to pass either the American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 (H.R.6) or the Dream Act of 2019 (S.874) so that undocumented young people can continue their employment, training, and research in the health professions. We all need to do our part to make our voices heard in support of our work as researchers, clinicians, and educators. Join us at ANA2019 for our “Advocacy in Action” Interactive Lunch Workshop, October 15 at 11 a.m., which will offer tips on getting involved in policy work at the local, state, and federal levels. I look forward to seeing you there! Warm Regards, David M. Holtzman, MD President, American Neurological Association Andrew B. and Gretchen P. Jones Professor and Chairman Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine |