The trees and flowers across the Bluegrass are finally in bloom, which means spring is officially here. I always look forward to spring and the growth and renewal it symbolizes.
The activities of the KMA are certainly in “bloom” this year as well. The veto recess of the 2025 legislative session just ended, and we are continuing our push to pass prior authorization reform (HB423) before time runs out. I encourage you to keep contacting your Senators to make sure House Bill 423 receives a floor vote before midnight tomorrow (March 28). If the General Assembly does not pass this bill, the issue cannot be brought up again until next year’s legislative session, where it would have to start all over in the legislative process. Our legislative team and so many physician advocates have worked tirelessly to advance our initiatives this year, and I can’t thank them enough for their hard work.
In addition to our advocacy efforts, KMA remains committed to supporting the health and well-being of Kentuckians through our Small STEPS, Big Impact campaign. I am thrilled that this weekend, our campaign will be featured in a thirty-second PSA during every game of the 2025 KHSAA Sweet 16 Tournament in Rupp Arena! The ad includes several of our Small STEPS Physician Ambassadors, who encourage viewers to make small changes to their lifestyles that can add up to big improvements in their health. With nearly 100,000 expected to attend the tournament, this is incredible exposure for our campaign. You can view the spot here.
Media attention around Small STEPS, Big Impact has also been blossoming this spring. I was honored to be a guest on an episode of Kentucky Health with Wayne Tuckson, M.D., that will air on May 4 on KET. In addition, our campaign was invited to spend the morning as the featured guest on FOX56’s Live From Chevy Chase on March 21, where we discussed National Nutrition Month and showcased healthier swaps for common grocery items. That clip can be viewed here.
Finally, we are just a few days away from the second installment of Colon Cancer Awareness Month CME, with a one-hour webinar scheduled for Monday, March 31. We are pleased to welcome gastroenterologist and co-founder of the Kentucky Colon Cancer Prevention Project Whitney Jones, M.D., for an interactive discussion on colon cancer screenings, prevention, and what physicians and patients need to know about these life-saving interventions. Registration is free and available here.
As we continue this momentum, I encourage you to renew your KMA membership if you haven’t already. Your membership is more than just a renewal—it’s a reaffirmation of your commitment to organized medicine and the collective voice of physicians advocating for meaningful change. By staying engaged with KMA, you ensure that we can continue to fight for policies that support you and your patients while also benefiting from the many resources and programs KMA offers.
Thank you for your dedication to medicine and to the people and health of Kentucky. Together, we can make a big impact.
