Landmark federal legislation takes aim at corporate control of medicine and reflects more than 30 years of AAEM advocacy for physician autonomy.
MILWAUKEE, WI, September 16, 2026 — The American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM) applauds the introduction of the Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act of 2026, federal legislation aimed at addressing corporate influence in the practice of medicine and protecting physicians’ ability to put patients and their clinical judgment first.
AAEM recognizes and thanks Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Representatives Val Hoyle (D-OR), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) for their leadership in introducing this legislation and for listening directly to physicians and constituents about the impact of corporate influence in medicine.
“The American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM) believes that local physician ownership of their practice is the best arrangement for the physicians, the medical staff, the hospital and, most importantly, for the patient,” said Vicki Norton, MD, FAAEM, President of the AAEM. “That’s why the AAEM strongly supports The Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act of 2026. The bill would prohibit the corporate practice of medicine and allow physicians to work unencumbered, focusing on patients. There is no greater policy imperative for AAEM than protecting patient safety and quality of care in emergency departments through efforts such as this bill.”
AAEM did more than endorse the Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act. The Academy worked directly with congressional leaders to help inform its development.
Through ongoing advocacy and conversations with policymakers, AAEM brought the experiences, concerns, and firsthand stories of emergency physicians to Capitol Hill, helping ensure the perspectives of practicing physicians were represented as the legislation took shape.
The bill’s introduction reflects years of sustained advocacy by AAEM and its members around the corporate practice of medicine, physician autonomy, and the importance of preserving the physician-patient relationship.
AAEM looks forward to continuing its partnership with congressional leaders who recognize the importance of bringing physicians to the table when developing policies that affect the practice of medicine.
Special Thanks to Our Members
AAEM’s advocacy is made possible by our members. Their membership gives the Academy the strength to keep showing up, keep advocating, and ensure emergency physicians have a voice when decisions affecting their profession, their patients, and the future of emergency medicine are being made.
About the American Academy of Emergency Medicine
The American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM) is the specialty society of emergency medicine and the champion of the emergency physician. Established in 1993, AAEM promotes fair and equitable practice environments necessary to allow emergency physicians to deliver the highest quality of patient care. Its guiding values are embodied in its mission and vision.
Download PDFOriginally Posted: September 16, 2026
Last Revised: September 16, 2026