Education Column
Learn more about the impact that MASA has on Alabama policy
Alabama
Legislative Session from the Eyes of a Medical Student
Rachel Cotter, Alabama Legislative Session Attendee and MASA-MSS Member
On April 15th, a group of medical students had the exciting opportunity to visit the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery and witness firsthand how the state government operates. Their day began with a meeting with Evans Brown, the Manager of Government Relations and Public Affairs for the Medical Association of the State of Alabama (MASA). Brown spoke with the students about some of MASA’s current legislative priorities, including efforts to reform prior authorization processes and address scope creep. Prior authorization, which requires physicians to obtain approval from insurance companies before proceeding with certain treatments, is a major source of frustration and can lead to significant delays in patient care. Additionally, Brown discussed scope creep, a term used when non-physician providers seek to expand their scope of practice beyond their training, potentially lowering the overall standard of medical care.
Following the discussion, the students made their way to the Alabama State House to observe legislative sessions in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. A legislative session is a formal period during which elected officials meet to propose, debate, and vote on new laws and amendments. Watching these sessions gave the students valuable insight into how healthcare policy is shaped and highlighted the intricate process of turning ideas into actionable laws. It also showed how critical it is for future physicians to understand and engage with legislative processes that directly impact the practice of medicine and the wellbeing of their patients.
This experience emphasized the vital role of grassroots advocacy in protecting and improving patient care. By participating in events like these, medical students not only learn how to navigate the political landscape but also become empowered to advocate for policies that enhance healthcare delivery. Speaking out on important issues ensures that the voice of the medical community remains strong and that future changes in healthcare policy prioritize the needs of patients.
Authorizing Abortion from Rape and Incest Pregnancy
Rhea Nichani, Editor in Chief
On June 24th, 2022, Alabama began enforcing its total abortion ban, which prohibits abortion at all stages of pregnancy, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
Hence under existing Alabama law, abortion exceptions are limited, based on the Human Life Protection Act. These exceptions include 1) to save the pregnant person’s life, 2) to prevent serious risk to the pregnant person’s physical health, and 3) if the fetus is not expected to survive the pregnancy. Given this, representative Juandalynn Givan is sponsoring a bill in the house that is attempting to expand abortion exceptions to include cases of rape and incest. It also mandates that the father convicted of rape or incest resulting in pregnancy must pay for the abortion and all related medical expenses. The father must also undergo court-ordered sterilization.
Given that Alabama's abortion ban is considered to be one of the strictest in the country, this bill is predicted to be a controversial topic in the current legislative session.
Alabama Lawmakers Have a Plan to Help Fix the Rural Health Crisis
Rhea Nichani, Editor in Chief
Alabama lawmakers are actively working to solve one of the state’s largest health crisis by filing legislation that enhances the existing tax credit of 5,000 to 10,000 so as to support rural hospitals by incentivizing physicians to work in underserved communities. This is increasingly important, as since 2011, according to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, seven rural hospitals have closed and reports predict that more than half of the state’s 52 rural hospitals are at risk of closing, with 19 at immediate risk. In fact, pediatricians, dentists, and maternity care have disappeared in over a third of the state’s counties. These healthcare facilities closing will only further impact the community by eliminating the ability to recruit industry in the area. In turn, education groups will not have children to educate in the areas.
This expansion in legislation will extend tax credit benefits to physicians residing in populations of 50,000 or fewer, as well as, municipalities with populations of 20,000 or less, in a county with 50,000 or less. The Medical Association supports this initiative, as it directly addresses longstanding healthcare disparities and bolsters access to medical care for Alabama’s rural residents.
State Funded Medical Residencies Expanded
Frances Case, Student Representative
Committee on Medical Education
To tackle the physician shortage in Alabama, the state legislature has committed to increasing support for primary care and psychiatric residency programs. An $800,000 investment has been allocated to the Cahaba Medical Care Center Family Residency program to add five new slots in Centreville, targeting rural healthcare needs. Additionally, opioid settlement funds are being used to create two new psychiatric residency programs in Montgomery and Birmingham, with a focus on substance abuse treatment. Auburn and Huntsville will also gain new psychiatric residency programs funded through other sources, addressing the critical shortage of mental health professionals in the state.
The Medical Association supports these initiatives as they directly address the urgent need for more healthcare providers in underserved areas. By expanding residency slots and focusing on substance abuse, these programs aim to improve access to essential medical and psychiatric care, particularly in regions severely affected by the opioid crisis. This proactive approach is essential for meeting the growing demand for healthcare services across Alabama, especially in counties lacking adequate mental health resources.