AMA Legislative Agenda: Key Healthcare Battles in 2026

The future of AMA legislative activity in 2026 promises a dynamic field shaped by persistent healthcare challenges and evolving political priorities. The American Medical Association, as a dominant voice for physicians, will continue to exert considerable influence on policy discussions at both federal and state levels, advocating for changes that impact patient care, physician practice, and the broader health system. What specific areas will see the most intense legislative focus?

Telehealth Integration and Reimbursement Parity

Telehealth, propelled into widespread adoption by the events of recent years, has cemented its place as a critical component of healthcare delivery. The AMA’s legislative agenda will heavily feature efforts to ensure the permanence of expanded telehealth access and, critically, reimbursement parity. While temporary measures allowed for broad coverage during the public health emergency, the long-term sustainability hinges on consistent payment structures that mirror in-person visits. We’ve already seen significant progress on this front. According to a 2025 report by the Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) Trends in Telehealth Policy, over 40 states now have some form of parity law or regulation for commercial payers, a trend the AMA aims to solidify federally. The AMA will push for federal legislation that mandates commercial and government payers to reimburse telehealth services at rates comparable to in-person services, regardless of the patient’s location or the specific technology used. This includes advocating for continued coverage of audio-only visits, recognizing their importance for underserved populations and those with limited broadband access. Plus, expect the AMA to champion policies that simplify interstate licensure for physicians, allowing them to provide care across state lines more easily, thus expanding access to specialized services. This isn’t a simple “set it and forget it” issue. The nuances of different specialties, technological requirements, and fraud prevention will all be part of the ongoing legislative debate.

Addressing Physician Burnout and Workforce Shortages

The escalating crisis of physician burnout and persistent healthcare workforce shortages represents another foundation of future AMA legislative activity. The demand for healthcare services continues to outpace the supply of physicians, particularly in primary care and mental health. This imbalance exacerbates physician workload and contributes to an exodus from the profession. The AMA will advocate for substantial federal and state funding increases for medical residency programs, especially those in rural and underserved areas. Data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Physician Supply and Demand Projections consistently highlights projected shortages across multiple specialties, underscoring the urgency of these legislative efforts. Beyond increasing the pipeline, the AMA will focus on policies designed to retain physicians within the workforce. This includes advocating for student loan forgiveness programs specifically targeted at physicians committing to practice in high-need areas. They will also push for legislative measures that reduce administrative burden, often cited as a major contributor to burnout. This could involve standardizing prior authorization processes, simplifying documentation requirements, and promoting the adoption of interoperable electronic health records (EHRs) that genuinely improve workflow, not hinder it. My own experience suggests that physicians spend an exorbitant amount of time on tasks that don’t directly involve patient care. Reducing that burden is paramount.

Protecting Physician Autonomy and Practice Viability

The increasing corporatization of healthcare, particularly the rise of private equity acquisition of physician practices, poses a significant threat to physician autonomy and the independent practice model. The AMA views this trend with considerable concern, fearing that profit motives may supersede patient care decisions and lead to reduced access or lower quality services. Consequently, a substantial portion of their legislative agenda will focus on regulating these acquisitions. We can anticipate the AMA advocating for enhanced transparency requirements for private equity firms investing in healthcare, including mandatory disclosure of ownership structures and financial arrangements. They will also likely push for stricter antitrust oversight by federal agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Competition in Healthcare to prevent anti-competitive practices that could limit patient choice or drive up costs. Plus, the AMA will support state-level initiatives that protect physicians from restrictive covenants and non-compete clauses, ensuring they retain the flexibility to practice where they are most needed. The survival of independent physician practices is, in my view, directly tied to patient-centered care.

Medical Liability Reform and Patient Safety

Medical liability reform remains a perennial focus for the AMA, and 2026 will be no exception. The goal is to create a more predictable and equitable legal environment that protects both patients and physicians, in the end fostering an environment conducive to high-quality care. The AMA will continue to advocate for reasonable caps on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, arguing that excessive awards drive up insurance premiums and contribute to defensive medicine practices, where physicians order unnecessary tests or procedures to avoid potential lawsuits. Expect a renewed push for federal and state legislation that implements these caps, drawing on models from states that have successfully enacted such reforms. For instance, California’s Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA) Business and Professions Code Section 6146, which has been in place for decades, provides a framework that the AMA often references. Beyond caps, the AMA will also champion reforms that promote early disclosure of medical errors and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, believing these approaches can lead to faster resolution for patients and reduce the adversarial nature of traditional litigation. The balance here is delicate: ensuring patient recourse while preventing frivolous lawsuits that burden the healthcare system.

Public Health and Health Equity Initiatives

Finally, the AMA’s legislative activity will continue to address broader public health and health equity initiatives. The lessons learned from recent public health crises have underscored the critical need for strong public health infrastructure and policies that address systemic health disparities. The AMA will advocate for increased federal funding for public health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to strengthen disease surveillance, prevention programs, and emergency preparedness. Plus, expect the AMA to champion legislation aimed at reducing health inequities experienced by marginalized communities. This includes advocating for policies that expand access to care in underserved areas, address social determinants of health such as food insecurity and housing stability, and promote culturally competent healthcare delivery. They will also support initiatives that combat misinformation and promote evidence-based public health messaging. This isn’t just about treating illness. It’s about creating conditions where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their best possible health. The AMA’s legislative efforts in 2026 will undoubtedly shape the future of healthcare delivery. Physicians, patients, and policymakers alike will need to remain engaged as these critical issues unfold, influencing everything from access to care to the financial sustainability of the medical profession.