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AAPM&R is Calling for a Comprehensive National Plan to Address the Needs of Millions Suffering from Long COVID

According to two publications from the Journal of the American Medical Association, ten to thirty percent of individuals who had COVID-19 reported at least one persistent symptom up to six months after the virus left their bodies. That means 3 to 10 million Americans are experiencing symptoms of Long COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), which are varied and ongoing, including neurological challenges, cognitive problems such as brain fog, shortness of breath, fatigue, pain, and mobility issues.

In 2021, AAPM&R called on President Joe Biden and Congress to gear up for the next coronavirus crisis by preparing and implementing a comprehensive national plan focused on meeting the needs of millions of individuals suffering from the long-term symptoms of COVID-19, and help them regain quality of life and return to being active members of their communities. The plan must include a commitment to three major components:

  • Resources to build necessary infrastructure to meet this crisis
  • Equitable access to care for patients
  • Research to advance medical understanding of Long COVID

PM&R physicians are uniquely qualified to help guide the multidisciplinary effort needed to develop a plan for this crisis. As a specialty, physiatrists are investigators, team leaders and problem solvers. PM&R physicians see the whole patient AND the whole picture of the rehabilitation ecosystem. Physiatrists are exactly what this crisis needs. Learn more about our Multidisciplinary PASC Collaborative, launched in March 2021, which is working on quality improvement initiatives.

AAPM&R Advocacy, Healthcare Collaborations and Partnerships, and Customized Resources to Support PM&R During This Crisis

AAPM&R is working to ensure PM&R is part of the national conversation about healthcare amidst COVID-19 and advocating for the federal support, legislation, regulation relief and resources that physiatrists need now. One way we are doing this is through our partnerships and collaborations with other specialty societies. The Academy continuously works to represent PM&R through these collaborations, and it is through these partnerships that we are able to discuss and share a variety of resources with you that you critically need.

Stay Up-to-Date

AAPM&R Comments Opposing Naturopath Scope Expansion in Washington

Sep 11, 2024

AAPM&R continues to fight against scope expansions at the state level. In October 2023, the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians (WANP) submitted a proposal to increase their scope of practice. If passed, the proposal would allow naturopaths to prescribe prescription drugs and controlled substances and would also open the door for them to perform surgery. Your State Advocacy Committee (SAC2) reviewed the proposal and accompanied legislation, immediately identifying the significant threat the scope expansion would pose to patient safety in Washington. In response, SAC2 connected with the Washington State Medical Association and notified Washington members of the threat.

In August 2024, the Washington Health Department released a preliminary report on the naturopath proposal that opposes their scope expansion. The report finds that…

  • Naturopaths do not have sufficient minimum education and training to safely prescribe Schedule II-V controlled substances.
  • Other states that have granted naturopaths prescriptive authority for controlled substances also limit to III-V or implement specific safeguards such as collaboration and supervision requirements or increased oversight by the state medical board.
  • The Board of Naturopathy does not include providers with sufficient expertise to evaluate what additional education and training is needed to safely expand the Doctor of Naturopathy (ND) scope of practice.

Your State Advocacy Committee (SAC2) submitted comments on behalf of the Academy in support of the findings in the WA Health Department preliminary report. Scope expansion efforts in one state often lead to scope expansion efforts in numerous states. Your Academy will continue to monitor the progress of the naturopath scope expansion proposal and will continue to fight for quality patient care and to protect the expertise of PM&R physicians. If there a pressing state issue you believe the Academy needs to be aware of, contact healthpolicy@aapmr.org with details.