ADVOCACY
AMS’s advocacy efforts are brought to the forefront at the state Capitol,
and we work to make sure Arkansas physicians ALWAYS have a seat at the table.
Latest News from AMS Governmental Affairs
- Turn Your Spare Change into Action for ARKMED-PACOver the past two centuries, innovation in health care has been the cornerstone of physicians providing the best patient care. Today we’re applying that same innovation to take our ArkMed-PAC fundraising efforts to the next level, which is why we’re partnering with GoodChange. Headquartered in Arkansas, GoodChange is a new online giving platform that […]
- Legislative Update, 2-3-23TOP PRIORITY: PRIOR AUTHORIZATION HB 1271/SB 143 Sponsors Rep. Lee Johnson, MD (Greenwood) & Sen. Missy Irvin (Mountain View) Both Prior Authorization “Gold Card” bills have been assigned to Insurance and Commerce committees and are awaiting Fiscal Impact statements. If passed, this legislation would: Remove ALL prior authorization requirements from January 1, 2024, through June 30, […]
- 2023 Legislative Session in Full SwingThe 94th General Assembly has started and although it appears to be off to a slow start, there has been a lot of activity behind the scenes. PRIOR AUTHORIZATION The top priority for AMS this session is legislation for a prior authorization gold card. If passed, the legislation would make prior authorizations unnecessary for a certain […]
Why Should Physicians Get Involved in Politics?
Whether in private practice or employed, physicians are undoubtedly impacted multiple times a day by the decisions legislators have made.
It is vital to have a voice in the room when those decisions are made; often, those that make the decisions see issues from a 30,000 feet level and they need the perspective of how their decisions would impact the practice level.
We encourage you to reach out to and get to know your legislators so that you can share your insight and medical expertise regarding crucial issues that will come up.
Important Links
Committee Information
Senate Public Health
Senate Insurance & Commerce
House Public Health
House Insurance & Commerce
General Assembly Website
arkleg.state.ar.us
Capitol Message Center
Senate: 501-682-2902
House: 501-682-6211




Join ARKMED-PAC and Help Support
Physician-Friendly Candidates
When we strongly support successful physician-friendly candidates, we build closer, stronger relationships that can continue our ability to provide successful advocacy for Arkansas physicians and their patients.
The most effective and efficient way for most AMS members to help physician-friendly candidates is to contribute to the political arm of the Arkansas Medical Society, ArkMed-PAC.
ArkMed-PAC needs your financial support. The stronger financially ArkMed-PAC is, the more help it can provide to those physician-friendly candidates around the state. Please join us in the fight as we attempt to do our best to become the best that we can be.

AMS Governmental Affairs Team

David Wroten
Executive Vice President

H. Scott Smith, JD
Director, Governmental Affairs

Laura Hawkins
Legislative Support Specialist

Laura Haywood
Membership & Communications Specialist