The purpose of the advocacy committee is to advocate on a local, state and federal level for rheumatologists in practice, private and academic, in North Carolina. Some of our priorities include CMS payment updates, local carrier issues like unwarranted downcoding, PBM reform and scope of practice issues.

NCRA has partnered with CSRO and a local lobbyist with grant funding from pharma to be able to have our own advocacy days in our state capital. Our most recent event was a state hill day on May 20, 2025.  We had 9 advocates and well over 25 meetings that day.  We continue to believe that ongoing visibility and education of our legislators is crucial to keep our issues front of mind. 

Our advocacy committee members also attend advocacy events, virtual and in person, with AWIR (Association of Women in Rheumatology), CSRO and NCMS (North Carolina Medical Society) as well as other advocacy organizations.  

We would encourage you to consider being a member of the advocacy committee or at least participating in “write in” campaigns coordinated by CSRO or NCMS. The write in campaigns only take a few minutes of your time but make an impact with the legislators. Or consider asking your local legislators to your office for a tour and discussion. These are a good way to have productive conversations and provide a “name with a face” to be able to make you a resource for them on our issues.