American Academy of Pediatrics

Federal Advocacy The Department of Federal Affairs has been the Academy's link to federal legislative activities in Washington, DC, for nearly four decades. Pediatricians with the drive to make a difference in child and adolescent health through Congress and/or federal agencies are given the information and tools necessary to become effective child advocates. State Government Affairs The American Academy of Pediatrics believes that the law ought to protect the health and well-being of children just as arduously as pediatricians do. When state legislators assemble, children's issues deserve the same consideration as other matters. The AAP Division of State Government Affairs is tasked with providing assistance to AAP state chapters as they advocate for children. The Division offers resources for advocates on vital children's health issues like Medicaid, injury and violence prevention, immunizations, and many others. Advocacy materials produced by the Division cover the legislative, research, and strategic dimensions of an issue. We keep a constant watch of children's health issues in all states and store laws and pending or recently defeated bills on pediatric advocacy issues.