State Advocacy State Advocacy The AAP Division of State Government Affairs provides consultation and technical assistance to chapters seeking to influence state government policy. State AdvocacyFOCUS Assault Weapons Bans The federal assault weapons ban prohibited the sale and manufacture of certain military-style semiautomatic weapons and high capacity magazines in the US, but expired in 2004. Bullying Prevention Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Child Health and State EPA Clean Power Plan Implementation Outdoor air pollution is linked to respiratory problems in children, including decreased lung function, coughing, wheezing, more frequent respiratory illness, and asthma exacerbation. Child Passenger Safety Despite the existence of laws in all 50 states requiring the use of child safety seats or child restraint devices for young children,more children are killed as passengers in car crashes than from any other type of injury. Childhood Immunizations The Academy has long advocated for preventive care, including immunizations, as a major component of pediatric health care and disease prevention. Concussion Management: Return to Play Sports-related concussions in youth athletes are underreported, and proper management is imperative to prevent long lasting effects of injury. Confidentiality for Adolescents and Young Adults Insured as Dependents Increasing numbers of adolescents and young adults are insured as dependents as a result of a provision of the Affordable Care Act that extends such coverage to age 26. Although the coverage itself is vital, the privacy of their health information may be at risk. Distracted Driving In 2011, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended that states ban use of all portable electronic devices, including hands-free devices, for all drivers. Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), also called e-cigarettes, present another way for smokers to ingest nicotine. Essential Health Benefits The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires the establishment of an “essential health benefits (EHB) package” for certain health insurance plans including qualified health plans (QHPs) and the Medicaid expansion population. Health Insurance Marketplaces The Affordable Care Act (ACA) creates health insurance marketplaces where individuals and small businesses can purchase health insurance, and gives states the option of creating their own marketplaces. Liquid Nicotine Poisoning Liquid nicotine is particularly poisonous to young children. It is toxic when absorbed through the skin. Symptoms of liquid nicotine poisoning including dizziness, rapid heart beat, vomiting, and seizures. Marijuana Legalization Marijuana is very harmful to adolescent health and development and can cause mental health problems, decrease lung function, lead to substance abuse disorders, and increase use of other illicit drugs. Medicaid Expansion The Affordable Care Act (ACA) permits states to expand Medicaid to a newly eligible adult population–those who are younger than 65 years old, not pregnant, not eligible for Medicare, and who have family incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level Medicaid Payment Increase The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes a critical provision to increase Medicaid payment for primary care services to Medicare levels in calendar years 2013-2014. Medical Liability Reform Pediatricians and other physicians who provide care for children face unique legal challenges. These challenges present profound medicolegal and actuarial consequences. Medical Marijuana In recent years, states have enacted laws, passed ballot measures, and adopted public policies supporting the use of medical marijuana and the use of cannabis oil to treat seizure disorders in children. Newborn Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) CCHD is a group of 7 congenital malformations that can occur in newborns and have profound consequences, such as impairments in speech, language, motor functions, and other functions. Raising the Tobacco Purchase Age to 21 Preventing youth smoking initiation is an important strategy to reduce tobacco-related diseases. The vast majority of people who become addicted to tobacco start using tobacco products before the age of 21. Raw Milk Since the 1920s, milk sold in the US has been routinely pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria that poses a special threat to children, pregnant women, and their developing babies. Safe Storage of Firearms The presence of unlocked guns in homes increases the risk of both unintentional gun injuries and intentional shootings. School Physical Education and Activity The dramatic increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity and its resultant comorbidities are associated with significant health and financial burdens, and warrants strong and comprehensive prevention efforts. Tanning Bed Restrictions The popularity of tanning beds has increased steadily, as has evidence associating their use with deadly forms of skin cancer over the past decade. Teen Driving Motor vehicle-related crashes remain the leading cause of death in youth from ages 16 to 20, resulting in approximately 5,500 deaths annually. Telehealth Care Payment Physicians who deliver health care services through telehealth care should receive equitable payment to increase the availability of pediatric health care services for all children. Universal Background Checks for Gun Purchases States with universal background check laws require that all sales of firearms take place through a licensed dealer who can perform a background check prior to the sale. Related Information 2016 State Advocacy Report The 2016 State Advocacy Report reviews state level issues on children's health and pediatric practice. State Advocacy Planning Resources for AAP Chapters Advocacy has been consistently identified by AAP chapters as their top priority. To assist AAP chapters in developing a state advocacy agenda, the AAP provides these resources to fit their advocacy needs, engage chapter members and other stakeholders, and support AAP priorities. 2017 State Advocacy Outlook The AAP works to support the efforts of its chapters to improve the lives of children and their families and to advance the profession of pediatrics. The 2017 State Advocacy Outlook can help you build success in your state in the coming year. State Health Care System Transformation States are the laboratories of health system reform and transformation, experimenting with new delivery and payment models and often involving Medicaid as a driver of system change. Learn more about what is happening in states across the country on our State Health Care System Transformation page. Health Oversight and Coordination Plans | Recommendations and Resources AAP recommendations and resources for state health oversight and coordination plan development for children in foster care. State Government Affairs Compliance | A Resource for AAP Chapters Knowing the rules is one of the keys to effective state advocacy. This resource links you to state lobbying registration, reporting, ethics, and finance laws and policies in your state. 2016 Child Health Advocate Award The Child Health Advocate Award recognizes significant accomplishments of public officials and advocates who have served as a voice for children in state government. Who's Speaking Up For Children? The AAP Division of State Government Affairs has been listening in to what governors are saying in their inaugural and state of the state addresses. Advocacy Tools StateView StateView compiles up-to-date information on state policy trends and resources for chapter advocacy efforts and focuses on important state-level child health advocacy issues. StateHealth StateHealth offers the latest information and resources on state implementation of federal health reform and state access initiatives. Advocacy FLASH Advocacy FLASH e-updates keep chapter leaders, executive directors, lobbyists, and advocates in-tune with state advocacy issues and state government news. State Advocacy Infographics At-a-glance resources to help you convey state advocacy messages. Advocacy Action Guides for AAP Chapters These resources provide issue overviews and specific policy guidance on various components of state legislation/regulation affecting multiple states. Poverty and Child Health State Advocacy Resources Poverty and Child Health is a priority on the AAP Agenda for Children. The AAP Division of State Government Affairs has developed a number of resources to assist AAP Chapters as they advocate on poverty and child health issues. Obesity Policy Opportunities Tool The Policy Opportunities Tool is designed to showcase the various policy strategies that support healthy active living for children and families. Tobacco Prevention Policy Tool The Tobacco Prevention Policy Tool showcases various policy strategies that support prevention of youth tobacco initiation, reduction in secondhand smoke exposure, and access to quitlines and cessation services. AAP Advocacy Guide and Training Modules Pointing you in the right direction of becoming an effective advocate. View All