Missouri gastroenterologists operate at the intersection of science, patient advocacy, and regulatory oversight. Recent legislative and regulatory developments—and the ongoing trajectory of state and federal policy—directly influence how patients are screened, diagnosed, and treated for digestive diseases, and how practices are staffed and funded. Screening polices; scope of practice, administrative burdens, prior authorizations, Medicaid, and reimbursement are only some of the policies being decided.

 

As Mr. Jacob Scott, the MSMA’s Director of legislative affairs mentioned “Too often, physicians hesitate to get involved in politics…in Jefferson city what speaks loudest is engagement—resources…we want a healthcare system built on quality.” Now more than ever, physicians’ practices are being shaped at state and federal levels. Engaging in the discussion is critical for both ourselves and our patients. This can be done by staying up to date with current legislation, identifying important bills and ensuring you are communicating with your representatives. Actionable items include attending advocacy workshops, donating to a PAC aligning with your goals and values, and staying involved in our communities."

 

To Track Bills:

Missouri House of Representatives - Legislation https://house.mo.gov/LegislationSP.aspx

--official government website for house and senate joint bill tracking

Free bill tracking for Missouri - FastDemocracy https://fastdemocracy.com/states/mo/

--find your legislators, track bills and get updates by topic

 

Ways to communicate with our representatives

5 Calls: https://5calls.org

• How it works: After entering your location, the app presents current issues with pre-written scripts and contact information for your specific representatives. The idea is to spend five minutes to make five calls.

• Features: It offers scripts with talking points, tracks your progress, and now includes topics for state-level legislatures in some areas.

• Availability: Available for both iOS and Android. 

Resistbot https:resist.bot

• How it works: You can text "Resist" to 50409 to begin. The service will guide you through writing a letter, and it will then convert your message into a fax, email, or physical letter to send to your representatives.

• Features: It can send messages to members of Congress, governors, and state legislators. You can also create campaigns to encourage others to send similar messages.

• Availability: Accessible via text message and a website. 

PolitiCall App

• How it works: makes it easy to find and contact your representatives

• Features: call, email or go to your representatives website

• Availability: App 

 

Advocacy Training Workshop (Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons and Missouri State Medical Association)

Missouri State Medical Association - Advocacy Training https://www.msma.org/Advocacy-Training

Physician Advocacy Day in Missouri

Missouri State Medical Association - Physician Advocacy Day

MAOPS Advocacy Day | Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri

March 3rd 2026-- All Missouri physicians, residents, fellows, medical students and Alliance members are invited to attend

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe70pWkjU7J8kvG2p6Sp301MJmaE1-44H2u6sxDdELJxEb8xQ/viewform

 

National physician groups

American College of Gastroenterology Public Policy - American College of Gastroenterology https://gi.org/public-policy/

--legislative action center

 

Tell your house representative to co-sponsor the colorectal cancer early detection act AND the stomach cancer prevention act Legislative Action Center - American College of Gastroenterology https://gi.org/public-policy/legislative-action-center/#/

 

American Gastroenterological Association Policies Affecting GI - American Gastroenterological Association https://gastro.org/advocacy-and-policy/policies-affecting-gi/

--Advocacy Action Center AGA | AGA's Advocacy Action Center https://gastro.quorum.us/AGAactioncenter/

--Congressional Advocates Program Congressional Advocates Program - American Gastroenterological Association https://gastro.org/advocacy-and-policy/congressional-advocates-program/

 

--AGA PAC AGA PAC - American Gastroenterological Association https://gastro.org/advocacy-and-policy/aga-pac/

PAC’s (political action committees)

Missouri State Medical Association - MMPAC https://www.msma.org/MMPAC

MOPAC - Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons https://maops.org/mopac/

PAC | masca https://www.missouriasca.org/pac 

 

The Missouri Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (MASCA) is an association representing the interests of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) throughout Missouri. MASCA is poised to represent ASCs before the Missouri General Assembly, regulatory bodies, the media, and other players in the health care industry, including the Missouri Hospital Association.

 

AGA PAC AGA PAC - American Gastroenterological Association https://gastro.org/advocacy-and-policy/aga-pac/

ACP PAC https://acpservicespac.org/