Purpose
To guide CNS’s advocacy and government relations efforts by focusing on proactive legislative and regulatory priorities that impact child neurologists, their patients, and the broader care delivery system.
Our Approach
The Child Neurology Society (CNS) advocates for evidence-based, nonpartisan policies that improve care for children with neurologic disorders and strengthen the specialists who serve them.
As a 501(c)(3) organization, CNS does not participate in political endorsements or partisan activity. We focus on building relationships, educating policymakers, and advancing science-informed policies that reflect the real-world needs of child neurologists.
The CNS Practice Committee in collaboration with the CNS Board of Directors sets the advocacy priorities for the CNS based on member feedback and the policy environment.
Primary Advocacy Areas
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NIH Funding & Research
- Advocate for sustained and increased federal investment in pediatric neuroscience research.
- Elevate child neurology within NIH strategic priorities, including continued support for NINDS and pediatric neurology disorders.
- Ensure pediatric neurological disorders are considered in NIH reauthorization and appropriations processes.
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Vaccines & Preventable Diseases
- Advocate for strong federal vaccine education initiatives, emphasizing the neurological consequences of preventable diseases (e.g., measles).
- Collaborate with pediatric health organizations to shape vaccine policy and public health communication efforts.
- Position CNS as a scientific authority on the neurological outcomes of under-vaccination.
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Telehealth Access
- Promote legislation ensuring permanent access to telehealth services for pediatric neurology patients, including Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement parity.
- Support policies that enable interstate licensure and practice to enhance access to subspecialty care.
- Partner with coalitions to reinforce the unique value of telehealth for children with neurological disorders.
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Reimbursement & Workforce Development
- Address disparities in pediatric neurology reimbursement by supporting updated CPT codes and payment parity to reflect the complexity of child neurology.
- Advocate for federal policies and funding programs—such as loan repayment, residency support, and workforce grants—that strengthen the child neurology pipeline and make the specialty a financially sustainable and attractive career choice.
Secondary Issues We’re Monitoring
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Drug Development & Access
- Track legislation such as the “Give Kids a Chance Act” and its potential applicability to neurological disorders.
- Monitor developments in pediatric drug pricing and access policy.
- Engage selectively in stakeholder coalitions when pediatric neurology is directly impacted.
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Medicaid & Medicare Policy
- Stay updated on proposed reforms to federal insurance programs and their potential impact on pediatric care access and reimbursement.
- Track alignment opportunities between Medicaid policy and early childhood development initiatives.
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Education & Disability Rights
- Follow developments within the Department of Education that may affect the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Maintain awareness of changes to special education funding and rights protections for children with neurologic conditions.
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Culture of Belonging
- Monitor federal shifts in DEI-related initiatives.
- Promote language and frameworks around “inclusive excellence” and culturally responsive care without ideological associations.
Our Commitment
CNS remains committed to collaborative, science-based advocacy that improves care for children with neurological conditions. We welcome member participation and institutional partnerships aligned with our mission.
The CNS 2025 One-Pager outlines our mission, policy priorities, and approach to advocacy. We invite you to take a moment to review it and join us in this important work.
View the CNS 2025 One PagerTake Action: Contact Your Elected Officials
Make your voice heard on issues that matter to child neurology. Use the tool below to look up your elected representatives and send personalized emails directly.
CNS Public and Position Statements
Access CNS’s official statements, sign-ons, and policy endorsements on key issues in child neurology—highlighting our evidence-based approach and commitment to informed advocacy.
Visit: Our StatementsMonthly Federal Policy Report
Stay informed with our monthly Federal Policy Report, your concise briefing on the latest legislative and regulatory developments relevant to child neurologists. The report is housed on our members-only online community CNS Connect.
Read the latest report!