What are the AAN’s advocacy priorities—and how can you get involved?
May 8, 2025
The AAN is actively responding, relentlessly pushing forward, and ensuring the voices of members and their patients are heard on Capitol Hill and in state governments. Our advocacy staff—and thousands of members—work constantly to address legislative and regulatory issues facing the practice of neurology and those affected by neurological conditions.
We’re analyzing and monitoring all changes made by Congress and the administration to evaluate any impacts on neurology and the patients we serve. If your practice, research, or patients have been impacted by recent changes at the federal or state level, please let us know by emailing advocacy@aan.com.
This year, the AAN’s top priorities are access to care, reducing regulatory and administrative burdens, strengthening the neurology workforce, and supporting neuroscience research and brain health. The AAN Advocacy Committee sets priorities each year based on member feedback and the policy environment.
“The AAN is at the forefront in advocating for neurologists, neuroscience professionals, and their patients,” said Advocacy Committee Chair Bruce H. Cohen, MD, FAAN. “With threats to patient access to neurological care, cuts to neuroscience research funding, and other challenges, it is more important than ever to advocate for neurology.”
Access to care
Ensuring patients have access to the highest quality patient-centered care is central to the AAN's mission. The AAN supports affordable access to telehealth services and prescription medications as part of this priority. Read more about our work and recent activity in access to care.
Reducing regulatory and administrative burdens
The AAN supports reducing physician regulatory and administrative burdens such as prior authorization, step therapy requirements, and out-of-state licensure so neurology providers can spend more time on patient care. Read more about our work and recent activity addressing regulatory and administrative burden.
Neurology workforce
The AAN is committed to supporting issues and initiatives related to strengthening the neurology workforce, including physician reimbursement, wellness, and immigration. As the US population grows older, more Americans are expected to develop chronic neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease, which require specialized care. Without a strong neurology workforce, patients are unable to receive the care they need. Read more about our work and recent activity supporting neurology professionals.
Neuroscience research and brain health
Our mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. Without the novel cures and therapies derived from federally funded neuroscience research, none of that would be possible. We are committed to ensuring continued support for neuroscience research through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other avenues to ensure people with neurological conditions continue to have access to new treatments. Read more about our work and recent activity promoting neuroscience research funding and policies that support brain health.
How do I get involved in AAN advocacy?
Thousands of AAN members participate in advocacy by joining us for events like Neurology on the Hill, learning from programs like the Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum, , and much more.
One great way to get started and stay informed as a US member is to read Capitol Hill Report, a biweekly newsletter that covers the AAN’s recent advocacy, current issues affecting neurology, and ways to get involved. This newsletter goes straight to US members’ email inboxes and is published online. Another key way to get involved is by responding to Action Alerts and using the to contact your representatives about issues facing neurology. This tool makes it easy to participate in advocacy efforts and takes minutes to complete.
A new option this year is our Political Outreach for Neurological Support (PONS) network, which connects you with timely information on the AAN's federal, regulatory, and state advocacy, plus exclusive quarterly webinars.
Inspired and ready to join us as we speak up for neurology? Check out our advocacy toolkit, learn about BrainPAC, connect with your state neurosociety, and stay informed with Capitol Hill Report!