As we approach the close of another year and gather with family and friends for the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on both the progress we’ve made in 2025, and the important work that lies ahead. The new year brings renewed energy and opportunity, and for Kentucky physicians, it also begins a legislative session that will undoubtedly shape the future of healthcare. The 2026 General Assembly convenes on January 6, and early indications suggest that healthcare will once again dominate the agenda.
Over the last several months, our KMA has been working diligently to ensure that the physician perspective remains at the center of these discussions. Through regular engagement with lawmakers, agency leaders, and healthcare partners, we have made the priorities of Kentucky physicians clear. As conversations continue, your leadership and your voice have never been more essential.
Our top legislative priority continues to be reducing avoidable administrative burdens, especially prior authorization. Every one of us has seen how unnecessary delays, denials, and layers of documentation can disrupt care and frustrate patients during moments when timely treatment is crucial. We remain committed to advancing policies that allow physicians to spend more time with patients and less time filling out paperwork.
Public health will also take center stage in the year ahead. KMA will continue advocating for policies grounded in clinical evidence and data. Our “Small STEPS, Big Impact” campaign has been a model in how physicians truly lead in this area. Reaching millions of Kentuckians, this initiative promotes simple, science-backed actions—Screenings, Tobacco use, Exercise and Nutrition, Physician visits, and Stress reduction– that support long-term health. We were excited to present our initiative at the last Make America Healthy Again Kentucky Task Force meeting in November, and look forward to continuing discussions around science-based, effective approaches to health during the session.
Physician wellness remains another important priority, particularly as burnout and fatigue continue to strain our workforce. This time of year reminds us of the value of rest and connection, principles that are essential for those who care for others In the coming session, we will be advocating for policies that foster healthier practice environments and ensure physicians can seek support without stigma.
The scope of practice debate will once again be prominent in 2026. While we recognize and value the contributions of every member of the care team, physicians’ extensive education and training uniquely equip us to lead diagnosis and treatment, particularly for complex cases. KMA will advocate for thoughtful, evidence-based frameworks that allow every provider to effectively serve patients, while keeping physicians at the center of clinical decision-making.
As we look ahead to the 2026 session, we can expect challenges, uncertainties, and opportunities. But we also move forward with the collective strength of thousands of KMA members who are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care. During this holiday season, I am grateful for your service, your leadership, and your commitment to your patients and communities. I encourage you to stay engaged with our KMA and read our weekly Legislative Alert emails that will begin when the session convenes. Together, we will shape a stronger future for healthcare in Kentucky.
PS: Are you making your resolutions for 2026? How about resolving to become a physician leader because medicine needs you now more than ever. I began my leadership journey eight years ago when I participated in KMA’s Kentucky Physicians Leadership Institute, or KPLI. It literally changed my life and gave me the skills and confidence to be a physician leader. After taking 2025 off to retool the program, KPLI is back in 2026 and I encourage you to participate. You can find more information about the 2026 cohort here.