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Advocacy in action: Two states change regulations to recognize DOs

Arkansas and Rhode Island health departments accept the AOA’s proposed changes to include DOs in state rules and regulations.

The AOA scored two victories for the osteopathic medical profession in Arkansas and Rhode Island when both states recently approved proposed changes to recognize DOs in their respective state regulations.

Arkansas

The AOA and the Arkansas Osteopathic Medical Association requested an amendment to the state’s Rules and Regulations for Emergency Medical Services. While the original version of rules allowed for DOs or MDs to serve as directors for Advanced Life Support Services and Basic Life Support Services, DOs were not recognized in the Community Paramedic Services language. The Arkansas Department of Health agreed to update the rules, allowing DOs to serve as medical directors for all three services in the state.

Rhode Island

In a letter to the Rhode Island Department of Health, the AOA requested the department recognize examinations, postgraduate medical training and certifications for DOs in its Rules and Regulations for the Licensure and Discipline of Physicians. The AOA also asked for osteopathic continuous certification to be recognized in the state’s continuing medical education requirement for re-licensure. The health department’s updated rules and regulations approved this fall included all of the AOA’s requests.

3 comments

  1. Ian

    When will the AOA finally work to end Resolution 42 and the arcane rules in 4 states requiring an AOA intern year in order to be licensed.

    1. Kelly

      Is it the AOA that is responsible for the Resolution 42 rules or the states? Should we be talking to the state legislatures?

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