Protecting patients one state at a time

The AADA advocates for a physician-led, team-based approach to care that ensures both safety and best outcomes for each patient and against state legislation that weakens the quality and safety of specialty care.

So far in 2025, the Academy has fought against unsafe scope of practice expansion, with the assistance of the AMA Scope of Practice Partnership, in the following states:

• Optometry scope expansion failed in New Mexico and Texas.

• Pharmacist test, treat, and prescribe failed in Indiana.

• Nurse practitioner independent practice failed in Indiana, South Carolina, and Texas.

• Physician assistant independent practice failed in Kentucky, South Carolina, and New Mexico.

• Legislation allowing dentists to administer Botox and fillers for cosmetic purposes failed in Texas.

Colorado: The AADA’s advocacy led to the enactment of Colorado’s “Know Your Health-Care Practitioner Act.” This new law requires physicians and non-physician clinicians to disclose in advertising and through photo identification their name and the type of state-issued license, certificate, or registration held.

Michigan: Michigan dermatologists urged the state House Health Policy Committee to oppose legislation that would authorize nurse practitioners to practice independently and without physician oversight. Nurse practitioners would be allowed to diagnose and treat patients, supervise other health care professionals, and prescribe controlled substances. The Michigan Dermatological Society, the Michigan State Medical Society, and numerous physician specialty organizations argued that independent practice increases health care costs, lowers the quality of patient care, and does not improve access in underserved areas.

Check out the Academy’s resources on scope of practice.