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 partnership, in the following states:
Optometry scope expansion failed in Missouri, New Mexico, Texas, and West Virginia.
Naturopath scope expansion including prescribing authority failed in Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, and Wyoming.
Pharmacist test, treat, and prescribe failed in Indiana, Mississippi, Nevada, and West Virginia.
Nurse practitioner independent practice failed in Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas, and West Virginia.
Physician assistant independent practice failed in Kentucky and New Mexico.
APRN compact bill failed in Montana.
Legislation allowing dentists to administer Botox and fillers for cosmetic purposes failed in Texas.
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, treat, 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.
North Carolina: Dermatologists in North Carolina joined the AADA and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association and supported legislation that would provide clarity to patients by limiting who can use “physician” in any title, advertisement, or other communication with the public. The bill also limited the use of the term “dermatologist” to individuals who practice medicine.
Check out the Academy’s resources on scope of practice.
