Survey: TMA Most Influential Advocacy Organization in TN

February 13, 2019

A new survey shows that the Tennessee Medical Association is widely regarded among Tennessee policymakers and political insiders as one of the most valuable and trusted advocacy organizations on Capitol Hill.

Capitol Resources, LLC, a multi-state government relations firm with offices in Tennessee, conducted an anonymous survey from July through October 2018 to find out where lawmakers prefer to turn for information and which advocacy organizations and other sources are considered most trustworthy.

TMA rated highest (86%) among 25 other statewide organizations and associations as being influential in shaping public policy at either a high or moderate level. TMA also earned the most responses (49.7%) for being regularly or often studied, cited, or utilized by policy insiders. A majority of respondents (63%) indicated they regularly or often see or hear TMA’s name in connection with state or local policy issues, second only to the Beacon Center of Tennessee (67%).

The 223 survey respondents included state legislators and their staff, elected and appointed executive branch leaders and their staff, education officials from colleges and universities from across the state, municipal and local government leaders and registered lobbyists and organizations.

TMA is a nonprofit advocacy organization, serving more than 9,600 members with legislative, legal/regulatory and insurance advocacy, physician leadership training and other programs. The association offers a variety of ways for doctors to connect with their elected officials through its grassroots network, including Doctor of the Day on Capitol Hill during the legislative session.

TMA expects at least 300 physicians to participate in its biggest advocacy event of the year, Day on the Hill, on Tuesday, March 26. Doctors from around the state visit Nashville to meet with lawmakers, attend committee hearings, and advocate for their profession and patients.

Learn more about TMA’s legislative advocacy at tnmed.org/legislative and follow TMA @tnmed and @tnmedonthehill.