New AMA Survey Spotlights Top Priorities, Challenges in 2026

CHICAGO — Physician organizations are preparing for a dynamic state legislative landscape this year with health policy changes poised to reshape coverage, oversight, care delivery, and public health across the health system, according to a new survey released by the American Medical Assoc. (AMA).

The AMA’s survey of 64 medical societies, including all 50 state medical societies and the District of Columbia, spotlights the leading healthcare priorities and challenges set to define state-level legislative action in 2026. Top issues include scope of practice, Medicaid policy pressures, and physician workforce challenges.

“Across the country, physicians are bracing for a year of consequential policy decisions that will directly affect patient care,” AMA CEO and Executive Vice President Dr. John Whyte said. “This survey shows that state medical societies are united around protecting patient safety, strengthening Medicaid, and addressing a workforce crisis that is straining access to care. Through our new State Advocacy Accelerator Grant Program, the AMA is delivering targeted resources to help physicians drive real impact at the state level and advance smart, evidence-based policies that put patients first.”

The top concern among the polled physician organizations is scope of practice, cited by 89% of respondents. Many anticipate new legislation from non-physician groups seeking expanded independent practice and prescription authority, with physicians emphasizing the need to protect patient safety and the integrity of team-based care.

Medicaid remains another pressing policy focus, as 72% of respondents plan vigorous engagement in Medicaid-related legislation. Key priorities common among many include enhancing physician reimbursement, stabilizing program funding, simplifying administrative processes, and adapting to federally mandated community engagement requirements. These issues are seen as central to high-quality care and patient access.

Physician workforce shortages continue to challenge states, with 67% of respondents prioritizing solutions. Among the solutions many are expected to propose include expanding residency slots, improving graduate medical education funding, and supporting loan repayment programs. The need to remedy post-pandemic maldistribution and shortages remains acute.

Medical licensure and telehealth also rank high, as 67% of respondents plan to work on selected issues that include establishing new licensing pathways for internationally trained physicians, promoting the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, and increasing flexibility for cross-state telehealth care.

Public health, often marked by ongoing political polarization, remains a top-five priority as well, with vaccination policy, reproductive health, tobacco control, and end-of-life care among key focus areas.

The survey additionally highlights the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as a major 2026 effort for most medical societies. Top issues include the Rural Health Transformation Program, Medicaid enrollment and eligibility rules, provider tax changes, and marketplace affordability.

Other critical issues set to shape the policy landscape include private payer reform, such as prior authorization and payment transparency, and regulatory responses to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and technological innovation in healthcare.