There was substantial work done by the reference committees, much of it accomplished prior to the actual in-person meeting through online forums. The work in each individual reference committee was streamlined by the use of a consent calendar so only items extracted from the online report were discussed.
For the six reference committees that put forth business at this meeting, there were 166 items on the combined agendas. The following are some key topics addressed at this meeting:
• Prior authorization: Advocate that low-cost medications and procedures should not require prior authorization, boost transparency on prior authorization, keep a scorecard on how payers do on prior authorization, and show how payers profit from prior authorization.
• Boost augmented intelligence training across medical education continuum by developing and disseminating model artificial intelligence learning objectives and curricular tool kits aligned with AMA policy and AAMC principles.
• Bolster physicians’ workplace safety and well-being by limiting their exposure to ionizing radiation.
The AMA opposes restrictive noncompete clauses in physician employment contracts and the requirement that physicians pay for their tail insurance.
There is continuing effort to stop scope of practice creep that resulted in the defeat of more than 150 bills that would have expanded the practice of nurse anesthetists, optometrists, pharmacists, and psychologists.
The AMA House of Delegates adopted policy supporting minimum standards for alternative payment models to rural hospitals in order to enhance their financial sustainability. Rural hospitals care for nearly one out of five Americans, and it is critical to community health that they stay open.
As a final comment, after years of Medicare physician pay cuts, there is a 2.5 % increase as part of the 2026 Medicare physician fee schedule officially set to take effect January 1, 2026.
Respectfully,
Joseph B. Selby, MD Chair of the West Virginia AMA Delegation
• Remove red flags that block substance use disorder treatment with respect to buprenorphine products, such as prior authorization, step therapy, and failed first treatments.
• Stabilize funding for mental health services in schools. Earlier in 2025, the United States Department of Education rescinded more than $ 1 billion in mental health grants. This will disproportionately impact rural and underserved districts.
Drug or Alcohol Problem? Mental Illness?
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West Virginia Medical Professionals Health Program 4013 Buckhannon Pike Mount Clare, WV 26408
If you have a drug or alcohol problem, or are suffering from a mental illness, you can get help by contacting the West Virginia Medical Professionals Health Program. Information about physician’ s, podiatrist’ s and physician assistant’ s participation in the program is confidential. These practitioners entering the program as self-referrals without a complaint filed against them may remain confidential and are not reported to their licensing board.
( 304) 933-1030 | www. wvmphp. org
West Virginia Medical Journal • March 2026 • 11