Advocacy

President's Column | September 2026

From Vision to Action

As we move into fall, I have been thinking about the difference between having a vision and building the systems, relationships, and opportunities necessary to make that vision real.

When I began my term as President, I shared a straightforward goal: SDPA should be the professional home for DermPAs™ 365 days a year—not simply an organization known for two outstanding conferences.

Statement from SDPA President Andrew Baker, MPA, MBA, PA-C, on Proposed CMS Medicare Payment Policies

Dear SDPA Members, 

SDPA Update on Proposed CMS Payment Changes

SDPA is concerned about the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) proposed CY 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule changes. Specifically, SDPA opposes reductions to the Physician Fee Schedule conversion factors and the proposed payment cuts for same-day evaluation and management services and global surgical procedures reported with Modifier 25. These proposals threaten fair reimbursement for the high-quality, timely care SDPA members provide to patients.

SDPA Applauds Court Decision Temporarily Blocking Department of Education Rule Impacting PA Students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SDPA Statement on FDA Withdrawing Proposed Ban of Minors Using Sunlamps

The Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) expresses its disappointment in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to withdraw its proposal to ban minors from using sunlamps.  

SDPA Statement on Topical Steroids

The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) recognizes emerging evidence on potential adverse effects associated with prolonged topical corticosteroid use in managing chronic inflammatory dermatoses. These findings highlight the need for vigilant treatment planning to mitigate long-term risks. To prioritize patient safety and optimize outcomes, the SDPA advocates for routine assessment of cumulative steroid exposure as a cornerstone of patient care.

From the Hill: What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Means for Dermatology PAs

Washington recently passed the wide-ranging One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a sweeping legislative package that touches everything from energy to tax reform.

Apremilast and IRA

The IRA’s drug price negotiations aim to lower costs but risk limiting patient access, treatment options, and future innovation. The SDPA urges policymakers to balance affordability with maintaining a broad range of therapies essential for individualized patient care.

Pharmacy Benefit Reform - New York S.1267-A

Pharmacy Benefit Reform Fails in 118th Congress New York S.1267-A Sets Precedent for States Moving Forward

SDPA Strengthens Advocacy and Public Relations Program with Key Leadership Appointments

SDPA Urges Action to Support Step-Therapy Reform Bill S.1267-A

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