A resolution designating the week of April 13 through April 19, 2026, as "National Osteopathic Medicine Week".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 674
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-16: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S1824)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-22T15:02:57Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution designates the week of April 13 through April 19, 2026, as National Osteopathic Medicine Week to recognize the contributions of osteopathic physicians (DOs) and celebrate the role of osteopathic medical schools in training future doctors.
Key Provisions
- Designation: Officially names the specified week as National Osteopathic Medicine Week.
- Recognition: Acknowledges the work of over 167,000 osteopathic physicians and nearly 40,000 osteopathic medical students, highlighting their growth, training in underserved areas, patient-centered approach, and role in addressing physician shortages (especially in primary care).
- Celebration: Honors colleges of osteopathic medicine for producing doctors who serve rural and underserved communities.
- Supported by background facts, such as the history of osteopathic medicine (founded in 1874 by Andrew Taylor Still), its emphasis on whole-person care, and nationwide practice.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force or enforceable requirements; it does not amend statutes or create new laws.
Potential Impacts
- Symbolic only: Raises public awareness of osteopathic medicine but imposes no mandates, funding, or policy changes.
- No direct effects on government agencies, citizens, or international relations; may encourage voluntary events or education during the designated week.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Osteopathic physicians and students: Gain formal Senate recognition of their contributions.
- Osteopathic medical schools: Highlighted for training doctors in all specialties, especially primary care and underserved areas.
- Healthcare system: Indirectly benefits from spotlight on efforts to address physician shortages.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- None significant: As a simple resolution referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, it requires no presidential approval and has no legal effect. It aligns with Congress's power to issue commemorative resolutions under Article I of the U.S. Constitution, promoting public health awareness without controversy. Politically bipartisan (introduced by Sens. Wicker and Heinrich).
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-16: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S1824)
- 2026-04-16: Submitted in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating the week of April 13 through April 19, 2026, as National Osteopathic Medicine Week. — issued 2026-04-16 — PDF (3 pages)