Maine Medical Association

02/13/2026

Advocacy in Action: Week Three

Physician members, partners, and our advocacy team engaged at the State House this week by supporting legislators, testifying at public hearings, and advancing public health efforts statewide.

Key moments from the week:

Medical Provider of the Day: Joanmarie Pellegrini, MD, and Kevin Fickenscher, MD, served as Medical Providers of the Day at the State House, supporting legislators and promoting the role of physicians in public service

Public Health Advocacy: The MMA Center for Quality Improvement held a press conference for the 1,000 Lives Campaign, joining partners to advance efforts focused on reducing opioid-related deaths and improving community health outcomes

Public Hearings and Bill Updates: MMA/MOA participated in public hearings related to health care access and reimbursement, expressing support for LD 2071, LD 2146, and LD 2119

Follow along each Friday as we continue highlighting coordinated advocacy efforts across Maine.

02/10/2026

Join us for a free CME Webinar: Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 12:00 - 1:00 PM!

Understanding Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Program

The Hanley Center for Health Leadership & Education invites you to a one-hour session designed to provide a comprehensive overview of Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program, including qualifying leave reasons and when certifications may be required. We’ll explore how the program aligns with existing leave laws, highlight key differences, and offer practical guidance on applying certification requirements to support patients and their families effectively.

Presented by: Sarah Brydon - Claims Administration Division Director, Paid Family and Medical Leave at the Maine Department of Labor

Register Today: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ohpk8u1UR_6mgX5diPZq6A #/registration

02/06/2026

Important Notice:

The Maine CDC has confirmed one case of measles in an adult in Maine. This is the first reported case since 2019.

Clinicians and community members are encouraged to review the official guidance shared by Maine CDC.

Maine has confirmed its first case of measles since 2019.
Measles is very contagious and can be dangerous. It spreads quickly among people who have not received the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. If you think you or your child may have measles, call your health care provider. They can help make arrangements to see you without risking the health of others. For more info, visit: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/news/maine-cdc-confirms-case-measles-maine-2026-02-06

02/06/2026

Advocacy in Action: Week Two

This week, our community continued coordinated advocacy efforts across Maine, strengthening policy and advancing patient-centered priorities.

Key moments from the week:

- National Collaboration: MMA presented on the Scope of Practice Partnership Grant during the weekly call of the American Medical Association Advocacy Resource Center

- Clinical Perspectives: Lani Graham, MD, MPH, Linda Schumacher-Feero, MD, and Jeffrey Moore, MD, were on site at the State House to ensure physician perspectives were represented during legislative activity

- Public Hearings and Bill Updates: MMA/MOA attended public hearings and expressed support for key legislation, including LD 2154, LD 2108, and LD 2123

- Advocacy and Engagement: Maine Families for Vaccines’ Hall of Flags event, and partner organizations, including the Maine Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics and the Maine Osteopathic Association, engaged with students at the University of New England College of Medicine Advocacy Mixer

- Welcoming New Voices: University of Maine School of Law extern Ash B. joined us for their first day at the State House

Follow along each Friday as our community continues coordinated advocacy throughout the legislative session.

02/03/2026

Observed each year on February 3, National Women Physicians Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of women physicians and the essential roles they play in caring for patients, strengthening communities, and advancing the practice of medicine.

This year, the Maine Medical Association is proud to highlight three physicians from our leadership team whose work reflects a shared commitment to patient care, community health, and the future of medicine in Maine.

On , and every day, we recognize not only these leaders but the many women physicians across Maine who provide essential care, mentor future clinicians, advocate for their communities, and strengthen our health care system.

Read More: https://bit.ly/4a7iibB

01/30/2026

MMA Advocacy in Action: Weekly Update

This week, Maine physicians, residents, medical students, and community members gathered across the State House, academic settings, and community forums to bring clinical experience and patient-centered perspectives into policy conversations.

Key moments from the week:

- Physician Testimony: MMA delivered testimony on five bills focused on access to care, affordability, youth behavioral health, and more. Thank you to Jacob Rha, MD for testifying this week!

- MMA/Maine Osteopathic Association Legislative Committee Meeting: Our first meeting of the session brought physicians together to review priority legislation. All physicians are welcome to join future Zoom meetings on Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.

- Advocacy Education and Collaboration: The MMA team presented at the 46th Annual NNE Co-Op PCBRN Meeting in Stowe and at Advocacy is Interprofessional Practice, hosted by the UNE Center to Advance Interprofessional Education and Practice

Thank you to the physicians and community members who continue to lend their voice and expertise throughout the legislative session.

Follow along each Friday for updates on how Maine’s physician community is advocating for patients and the profession.

01/23/2026

Celebrating the professionals who advance learning across Maine's health care community!

Today, in honor of Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day, the Maine Medical Association is proud to recognize two of our accredited CME providers whose work expands access to education and supports clinicians across the state.

Danielle Brown, MBA, PACE Executive Administrator at Community Care Partnership of Maine supports providers across a statewide network of community health centers and hospitals, helping ensure consistent access to evidence-based education and centralized learning resources for clinicians.

Ann Worrick, Medical Education Program Coordinator for MDI Hospital has spent more than a decade strengthening opportunities for learning and collaboration, supporting a connected, team-based approach to care.

We’re grateful for continuing education professionals whose dedication supports Maine’s physicians, care teams, and communities every day.

01/22/2026

An announcement from the Maine health care clinician community to our fellow staff and patients:

The Maine Medical Association and partner organizations are committed to ensuring that all Maine patients, regardless of immigration status, have access to safe, high-quality health care.

Recent reports of increased immigration enforcement activity in Maine have raised concern across our community. We recognize that fear and uncertainty can prevent individuals from seeking needed care and may disrupt the delivery of essential health services.

In response, we have released a joint statement sharing important information regarding rights and responsibilities in health care settings, with the goal of supporting care continuity and safety for all.

Learn More: https://bit.ly/4r8d5au

Maine Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics Maine Academy of Physician Associates - MEAPA Maine Osteopathic Association

01/12/2026

Your clinical expertise belongs in Maine’s legislative process!

We’re just days away from the MMA/MOA Advocacy Bootcamp, taking place this Thursday via Zoom.

This session offers a clear, practical introduction to the legislative process, including how to track legislation, prepare and deliver effective testimony, and engage in advocacy in ways that are both meaningful and manageable.

Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking for a refresher, the bootcamp provides tools and context to help you engage with confidence throughout the legislative session. Physicians, residents, and medical students are encouraged to attend!

Together, the Maine Medical Association and the Maine Osteopathic Association work to ensure physician voices are part of the policy conversation.

Register Today: https://bit.ly/456Dn4m

01/07/2026

Today marks the first day of the second session of the 132nd Legislature! Our team was on-site at the Maine State House, ensuring physician voices are represented as we advance member-requested issues, priority items, and coalition and partner-led efforts.

This week, several of our physician members are testifying, bringing real-world clinical experience directly into the legislative process.

We’re proud of our members and our strong presence in Augusta, advocating on behalf of Maine physicians and the patients and communities they serve.

Follow MMA to stay up to date throughout the legislative session and learn more ways to get involved.

01/05/2026

Following today’s federal directive to review and revise the U.S. childhood immunization schedule, Maine health care organizations are urging continued reliance on evidence-based guidance and trusted clinical expertise.

The Maine Medical Association is joined by the Maine Academy of Family Physicians - MAFP, Maine Academy of Physician Associates - MEAPA, Maine Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics, Maine Nurse Practitioner Association (MNPA), Maine Osteopathic Association, and the Maine Public Health Association in emphasizing the importance of listening to clinicians and supporting vaccine recommendations that protect children’s health.

Learn More: https://bit.ly/4ssuqfQ

12/31/2025

Award Announcement: Maine will receive more than $190 million in federal funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to support rural health care across the state.

These funds are intended to strengthen rural health systems that serve Maine patients and communities every day by expanding access to care, supporting workforce development, and investing in long-term system sustainability.

At the Maine Medical Association, we remain committed to keeping our community informed. We will continue to monitor implementation and share updates as they become available.

Learn More: https://bit.ly/4jlzRZS