The American Hospital Association issued a public warning that proposed Medicaid cuts in the GOP tax bill could devastate rural hospitals, potentially reducing essential health services for vulnerable communities. This alert comes amid broader concerns over legislation seen as favoring authoritarian fiscal measures.

The American Hospital Association increased its in-house federal lobbying expenditure to $7.03 million in Q1 2025, a 7% rise from the previous quarter. The association is advocating for several healthcare bills including measures to address staffing shortages, provider mental health protections, and rural hospital sustainability. Additionally, AHA bolstered its political team with the appointment of Audrey Celeste Smith, a former Senior Policy Advisor with experience in healthcare policy, enhancing its capacity to influence healthcare legislation.

The political participation overview report details the involvement of the American Hospital Association’s Board of Trustees and Regional Policy Boards in political activities, including the allocation of $316,014 in contributions. This involvement is highlighted alongside affiliations with the US Chamber of Commerce and the Health Care Policy Committee, reflecting the association’s active role in influencing policy through trade association channels.

The American Hospital Association has lobbied Congress by sending a letter to key members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, urging lawmakers to reform outdated and discriminatory behavioral health regulations. The letter calls for actions such as ending the Medicaid IMD exclusion, lifting the lifetime limit on Medicare psychiatric facility care, and clarifying EMTALA requirements to reduce administrative burdens on providers.

The American Hospital Association, in partnership with Jones Day and HEAL Trafficking, hosted a regional convening on May 9, 2023 to address forced labor and human trafficking risks in health care supply chains. The event provided resources, expert insights, and actionable strategies for hospital leaders to enhance supply chain ethics and protect vulnerable workers.

The American Hospital Association's Hospitals Against Violence initiative, in partnership with Jones Day and HEAL Trafficking, hosted a special convening to provide practical information and resources for hospital leaders on identifying and addressing forced labor in health care supply chains. The event featured government experts, a labor trafficking survivor, and case studies with emphasis on procurement processes and the need for due diligence in labor contracting practices.

A report highlights that 62 out of 112 lobbyists affiliated with the American Hospital Association had previously held government positions, raising concerns about revolving door practices and potential undue influence in healthcare policy.

Following the tragic events at the U.S. Capitol, the AHA Board of Trustees approved a policy to suspend political contributions to individuals who voted against accepting the Electoral College results. This move underscores the association's commitment to upholding democratic values and distancing itself from contributions that could support anti-democratic practices.