A resolution designating the week of April 14 through April 20, 2025, as "National Osteopathic Medicine Week".

Bill Number

S.Res. 181

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-10: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S2575)

Last Updated

2026-06-16T15:13:15Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This Senate resolution aims to recognize the contributions of osteopathic medicine to the U.S. healthcare system by designating a specific week in 2025 as "National Osteopathic Medicine Week." It highlights the history, growth, and patient-centered approach of osteopathic physicians (doctors with a "DO" degree, who focus on treating the whole person, including body, mind, and spirit).

Key Provisions

• Background Clauses ("Whereas"): These provide context, noting:
• Over 157,000 osteopathic physicians and nearly 40,000 osteopathic medical students in the U.S.
• Training occurs at high-quality schools, often in rural and underserved areas.
• Osteopathic medicine was founded in 1874 by Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, emphasizing the interconnectedness of body structure and function.
• The first osteopathic medical school opened in 1892, and the number of osteopathic physicians has grown by more than 70% in the last decade.
• Osteopathic physicians practice a holistic, patient-focused approach across all medical specialties and settings, in every state, and are committed to community health.
• Resolved Actions: The Senate:
• Designates April 14 through April 20, 2025, as "National Osteopathic Medicine Week."
• Acknowledges 150 years of osteopathic medicine.
• Recognizes the contributions of osteopathic physicians to U.S. healthcare.
• Celebrates the role of colleges of osteopathic medicine in training future physicians.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force or effect on existing laws. It does not amend statutes, create new regulations, or impose requirements; it serves solely as a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: None directly; it was referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary for consideration but does not require funding, implementation, or action from federal agencies.
• On Citizens: Indirectly promotes awareness of osteopathic medicine, potentially encouraging more people to seek care from these physicians and highlighting their role in underserved communities. No enforceable changes to healthcare access or services.
• On International Relations: No impact, as the resolution is focused entirely on domestic U.S. healthcare professionals.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Osteopathic Physicians and Students: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution honors their profession, growth, and contributions.
• Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine: Recognized for their training role, especially in rural and underserved areas.
• U.S. Senate and Policymakers: Sponsors (e.g., Senators Wicker, Heinrich, and Capito) and the Judiciary Committee are involved in its introduction and referral.
• Broader Healthcare Community: Indirectly affects patients and the public by elevating the visibility of osteopathic care within the overall U.S. medical system.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a simple resolution (S. Res.), it expresses the Senate's sense but lacks the binding power of a law or joint resolution. It requires no presidential approval and has no enforceable provisions.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to recognize events and professions under its power to regulate commerce and promote general welfare, but it raises no constitutional issues.
• Political: Symbolically demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by senators from different parties) for healthcare education and rural health initiatives. It could foster goodwill in the medical community without partisan controversy, potentially aiding future advocacy for osteopathic funding or policies.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]

Cosponsors (2)

Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-10: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S2575)
• 2025-04-10: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Designating the week of April 14 through April 20, 2025, as National Osteopathic Medicine Week. — issued 2025-04-10 — PDF (3 pages)