A key part of ACMG’s mission is to advocate for our members – the professionals who comprise the genetic and genomic healthcare communities – and the patients they serve. From reimbursement of clinical and laboratory genomic services to protection of personal genetic information, ACMG works closely with fellow professional and patient organizations, state and federal government officials, and our members to promote the responsible application of genomics in medicine.

Use the below buttons to explore the examples of policy areas in which ACMG has been active, as well as ACMG position statements. Under each issue are related documents such as letters to Congress, comments to agency guidance and proposed rules, reports from congressional briefings, and other helpful resources.

Policy Areas Policy Statements Advocacy Alerts Medical Genetics Awareness Week

Be An Advocate for Medical Genetics and Genomics

What is advocacy?

Advocacy means supporting or promoting a cause, such as coverage of genetic tests or privacy of genetic information.
Advocacy can occur at multiple levels, such as through Congress, federal agencies, local governments, healthcare organizations, insurers, and even medical institutions. ACMG advocates for policies that support the responsible application of genetics and genomics in healthcare, but we can’t do it alone. You can find information about ACMG’s advocacy efforts, policy statements, and copies of member advocacy alerts via the buttons above.

Why advocate?

Advocacy is an important tool for ensuring that state and federal policies are in the best interest of patients and providers.
Most legislators and policymakers probably aren’t experts in medical genetics, so it is our responsibility to educate them about the appropriate application of genetics in medicine. We can’t expect legislators to understand the full impact of their policies if we don’t help them. By using your special expertise in making complex scientific concepts understandable and providing first-hand reports of how the lives of their constituents and general public health can be improved, you will help them better understand policy needs and impacts. They will truly appreciate hearing from you.

Who should advocate?

Everyone! From trainees to senior professionals, all voices need to be heard.
ACMG works with Congress, federal agencies, state governments, and others as needed to support appropriate public health policies. We also partner with other organizations to advocate for shared interests, but our efforts alone are not enough. Lawmakers also need to hear from their constituents, especially healthcare professionals with firsthand knowledge of the impact of certain policies. So, whether you’re a trainee or the most senior person in your organization, your voice and experiences are needed.

How can I advocate?

Contact legislators, attend local meetings, host laboratory visits, notify ACMG of emerging issues or concerns, follow and share ACMG’s social media posts.
There are numerous ways to be an advocate. Simply sharing ACMG’s social media advocacy posts can make a big impact on raising awareness. You can follow ACMG’s advocacy efforts through our Advocacy Alert emails, monthly ACMG in Action E-newsletter, the ACMG Medical Geneticist newsmagazine, social media, and our website. You can further support these efforts by contacting your legislators, attending local meetings, and networking with your organization’s government relations professionals. For laboratory geneticists, consider hosting a laboratory visit for your state or federal legislators. This is a great way build relationships with your legislators and help them better understand genetic testing. For physicians and genetic counselors who see patients, do your patients know that ACMG is advocating for them? By helping ACMG advocate, you are also advocating for your patients. Lastly, remember to notify ACMG if you become aware of an emerging issue or concern.