Purpose and Overview

Because policies are regularly being made that affect our patients and how we provide medical care, it is critically important that clinicians are aware of our unique ability to inform policy and its implementation. We will note the importance of advocacy and will highlight current policies at federal and state levels that impact older adults and the practice of medicine. Using advance care planning as an example, we will examine ways to advocate at different levels (federal, state, agency, health system, patient). Importantly, we will discuss UTSW policies for clinicians to be aware of prior to engagement with media and government. We will conclude with strategies to engage with and inform policy.