Advocacy

At ILAPPS, we champion podiatric medicine through strong advocacy that protects and elevates the profession across Illinois.

At ILAPPS, advocacy is a driving force behind our mission to advance podiatric medicine and protect the profession in Illinois. Through year‑round legislative action and strong relationships with lawmakers, regulatory agencies, and healthcare partners, we work to protect your scope of practice, expand access to care, and ensure patients across the state can receive expert foot and ankle treatment when they need it

Protecting Your Scope. Championing Your Voice. Elevating Your Profession.

Our advocacy team works year-round with state and national legislators, regulatory agencies, and healthcare coalitions to:

  • Protect and expand your scope of practice
  • Secure fair reimbursement for podiatric services
  • Promote inclusion in healthcare delivery models
  • Strengthen public awareness of foot and ankle health
  • Defend against legislative threats to the profession

We actively monitor and shape public policy to ensure podiatry remains an essential and respected part of the healthcare system.

Our Impact: Advocacy in Action

Recent Wins 

  • Passage of legislation expanding DPMs’ scope in surgical care 
  • Statewide campaigns raising awareness of diabetic foot care 

Monitoring & Influencing Policy 

  • ILAPPS’s legislative consultant tracks Illinois legislation and regulations affecting podiatric medicine, including: 
    • The Podiatric Medical Practice Act 
    • Medicaid policy 
    • Hospital and surgery center privileges for podiatrists 
  • Advisory role with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, contributing to policy discussions that impact podiatric care 
  • Capwiz link enables members to contact national and state legislators directly 

National Advocacy through APMA 

  • Real-time updates via APMA’s e-Advocacy site, tracking national legislation affecting podiatry 
  • Congressional advocacy achievements include: 
    • Blocking Medicare reimbursement cuts 
    • Securing exemption from DME (Durable Medical Equipment) certification requirements for podiatrists 

        

Legislative Updates

Stay informed on the latest policy changes, proposed bills, and regulatory decisions impacting podiatric medicine in Illinois and beyond. Our legislative update hub includes real-time alerts, analysis, and summaries of relevant legislative activity.

Sign up for Advocacy Alerts to stay in the know.

Join ILAPPS Today

Policy Priorities

Learn what issues ILAPPS is currently championing, including:

  • Expanding telehealth access for podiatric services
  • Ensuring parity in insurance reimbursement
  • Increasing Medicaid coverage for foot and ankle procedures
  • Advocating for inclusion in multidisciplinary care models
  • Protecting podiatric surgical privileges

Get Involved

Your voice matters and when we speak together, we’re stronger. ILAPPS provides opportunities for every member to participate in advocacy efforts:

  • Contact your elected officials with our Legislator Lookup Tool
  • Join our Legislative Action Committee
  • Attend Lobby Days in Springfield
  • Participate in our Annual Advocacy Bootcamp
  • Support the ILAPPS PAC (Political Action Committee)

Become an Advocacy Ambassador today.

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