Published 6/22/2026
Policy change is often associated with Capitol Hill, but many of the most pressing issues in healthcare occur at the state and local levels. While federal advocacy is crucial for widespread change, state advocacy can have a direct and immediate impact on communities.
How much impact? In 2025, 135,529 bills were introduced at the state level, compared to 10,195 at the federal level. And there isn’t just a difference in the volume of bills; states also often see higher rates of passing and enacting legislation. State legislatures enacted roughly 28% of all bills introduced last year, while Congress passed just 2%, according to FiscalNote’s 2025 State Sessions Recap.
Orthopaedic surgeons have a uniquely informed perspective on the challenges and gaps within the healthcare system and see the day-to-day impact of legislation on their work, practices, and patients. By getting involved with medical societies, advisory committees, or direct outreach to legislators, they can influence policies before they are implemented and adapt them to better serve the local population.
The Advocacy Action Center (aaos.quorum.us) has the information surgeons need on their members of Congress, including ways to contact them and set up a local meeting. Long-term relationship building, rather than just speaking out in times of crisis, helps establish orthopaedic surgeons as trusted advisors and members of the healthcare community.
The Political Action Committee of the AAOS (OrthoPAC) also offers in-district engagement opportunities for donors. Those at the Capitol Club level can participate in site visits and in-district fundraisers to foster relationships with their federal legislators.
By advocating at the federal, state, and local level, AAOS members only advance the profession but also strengthen the healthcare system, reinforcing the critical connection between policy and patient care.
OrthoPAC is affiliated with and connected to the 501(c)(6) Association. OrthoPAC is not connected to or affiliated with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, which is a 501(c)(3) organization.