By Milan Sen, MD, FIOTA
OTA Health Policy Committee Chair
The OTA continues to work closely with AAOS and our trauma coalition partners to protect research funding, strengthen trauma systems, and ensure national preparedness. Below are the latest updates on key legislative and policy initiatives where the OTA is actively engaged on behalf of our members and the patients we serve.
Fighting for Orthopaedic Research Funding (PRORP & H.R. 3906)
Earlier this year, the OTA joined AAOS and our subspecialty partners in opposing the elimination of the Peer-Reviewed Orthopaedic Research Program (PRORP). Since then, AAOS has endorsed H.R. 3906: the Medical Research for Our Troops Act, aimed at restoring FY25 funding.
The House’s FY26 Defense bill includes $15 million to partially restore PRORP (half its historical $30M funding level). Our current push is in the Senate, urging full restoration so that battlefield injury research — which also benefits civilian orthopaedic care — is not shortchanged again. We have an ongoing grassroots campaign on this effort, available on this page, and encourage members to share it within their networks.
Building Resilience Through Regional Medical Operation Coordinating Centers (RMOCCs)
The OTA has joined with trauma and emergency care partners to call on Congress to support Regional Medical Operation Coordinating Centers (RMOCCs) and real-time hospital bed tracking systems. These centers serve as 'air traffic control towers' for health care, ensuring patients are rapidly directed to the most appropriate facilities while balancing system-wide resources.
By improving transparency and coordination, RMOCCs enhance both everyday emergency care and large-scale crisis response. Federal support for RMOCCs will build stronger, more resilient trauma systems nationwide.
Protecting Medicaid to Sustain Trauma Systems
In June, the OTA and the Trauma Coalition urged Congressional leaders to protect Medicaid funding. Medicaid underpins trauma readiness nationwide, especially in rural and underserved communities, by sustaining 24/7 access, specialized providers, and critical infrastructure like ICUs, burn units, and emergency transport.
Cuts to Medicaid would strain trauma centers with uncompensated care and even threaten military readiness, as many surgeons maintain skills through partnerships with civilian centers. Preserving Medicaid is essential to ensure both stability and preparedness in America’s trauma care network.
Supporting PAHPA Reauthorization
The OTA also joined coalition partners in urging swift reauthorization of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). PAHPA strengthens national security and ensures our health system can respond effectively to disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies.
Delays in reauthorization risk undermining programs that provide surge capacity and coordinated response. The OTA continues to advocate for timely action to safeguard these critical protections.
The OTA remains fully engaged in Washington to protect research funding, strengthen trauma systems, preserve essential programs like Medicaid, and ensure national preparedness. Together with our coalition partners, we are working to make sure trauma care remains a national priority — for our patients, our members, and the communities we serve.