Last week, the Supreme Court sided with Atlantic herring fisheries in a landmark case, Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo. Although the case centered on environmental monitoring fees, the implications for healthcare – among other industries – stem from the Court’s decision to overturn the Chevron deference doctrine. Since 1984, Chevron meant that federal agencies had significant leeway to interpret ambiguity in laws during rulemaking – and courts had to defer to that interpretation so long as it was reasonable. In its new decision, the Supreme Court overturned this principle, instead assig ..read more

A Special Virtual Run/Walk to Benefit ACG Summer Scholars and Celebrate Diversity! A tradition continues! Be part of the 2024 Annual Diversity in GI Virtual 5K! This virtual event invites ACG members to get outside, run or walk, log their time on a special website, and pose for selfies in race tees, medals, and bibs for social media using #DiversityinGI to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and community in GI and medicine in the weeks leading up to and during the ACG 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting. This year there will be three early morning “fun runs” in Philadelphia, see below for all the det ..read more

ACG Comments: Protect Access to Care, Sanctity of Patient-Provider Relationship Last week, ACG formally replied to the Senate Finance Committee’s report on Medicare Part B reforms, advancing our perspective on the dire financial and administrative challenges facing clinical gastroenterologists. Our response highlighted ACG’s principles of Medicare reimbursement reform that we discussed with legislators during April’s Advocacy Day: Next, we summarized the root causes of the current situation: Physicians, unlike hospitals and outpatient facilities, do not receive an annual inflationary adjust ..read more

by Dr. Mazer Ally & Dr. Corlan Eboh; ACG Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee This June, the American College of Gastroenterology proudly celebrates Pride Month. Throughout the month, we will honor the invaluable contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals who have profoundly influenced the field of gastroenterology.   Each week, we will feature stories of trailblazers and innovators who embody excellence, resilience, and dedication in our specialty. These narratives not only highlight the remarkable achievements of LGBTQ+ professionals but also emphasize the critical role that d ..read more

This year, the ACG Board of Governors and the Legislative & Public Policy Council have actively pursued state reforms to expand access to colorectal cancer screening, reign in prior authorization and step therapy requirements, and address other important GI clinical practice priorities. With many states’ legislative sessions coming to an end, here is a summary of the state-level public policy wins so far in 2023-24. We will continue to update this page as new legislation passes – contact us if we missed legislation in your state. You can also use our Legislative Action Center to get invol ..read more

Your Digestive Health: Make It a Priority The College is honored to join the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) in observing World Digestive Health Day (WDHD) on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, with the theme of “Your Digestive Health: Make It a Priority.” ACG supports WGO in its objectives to provide the public with information about the pivotal role of the digestive system in overall health, empowering patients to proactively manage their well-being to mitigate the risk of gastrointestinal disorders and associated complications. Resources for Patients and Physicians: Watch. Listen. Learn. T ..read more

by Dr. Mazer Ally, Dr. Sujaata Dwadasi, Dr. Corlan Eboh, Dr. Raj Jessica Thomas; ACG Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee This May, the American College of Gastroenterology proudly celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Throughout the month, we’ll spotlight the trailblazing Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders whose contributions have significantly enriched the field of gastroenterology. Join us each week as we highlight individuals and organizations that exemplify innovation, leadership, and commitment to excellence. These stories not only showcase the substan ..read more

On April 23, 2024, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commissioners voted 3-2, along party lines, to finalize a much-anticipated rule prohibiting employers from entering or enforcing noncompete clauses with U.S. workers, with only limited exceptions. This unprecedented rule marks a significant change in the law and for the first time establishes federal regulation of protective covenants in employment agreements. And as we’ll discuss later in this blog, not only was the healthcare industry not exempted from the rule – as some feared – but much of the supporting evidence and comments cit ..read more

Dear ACG Colleagues and Friends, On Thursday, 100 ACG leaders met with your House Representatives and Senators. Across more than 200 meetings, our tireless advocates expressed the continued challenges we face within gastroenterology, while highlighting key legislative opportunities that would benefit our patients and practices. The highlight of the day was our annual luncheon, where seven Members of Congress offered a wide array of perspectives. Collectively, they addressed the relevance of physician advocacy on Capitol Hill and shared their personal experiences with cancer and the importanc ..read more

ACG Observes Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month April is IBS Awareness Month. ACG is here for the busy clinician with resources on Irritable Bowel Syndrome: patient education materials, guidelines, lectures, podcasts, journal articles, and more. For APPs, the ACG Education Universe features an educational module to enhance knowledge and clinical skills and support the care of patients with functional GI disorders, including IBS. ACG has resources for patients to help manage symptoms and communicate more effectively to make the most of their visit and get the help they need for their IBS ..read more