The American Amnion Association applauds the recent announcement by CMS delaying the implementation of the final Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) for skin substitute grafts and tissue-based products until January 1, 2026.
We believe this extension is a critical step that will allow the necessary time to gather and submit robust clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of birth tissue-derived therapies.
We commend the AATB for their constant and consistent steadfast advocacy and leadership during this process, including direct engagement with policymakers on Capitol Hill. This effort ensures that coverage decisions can be rooted in science — not speculation.
As an association dedicated to advancing the ethical use of amniotic membrane and other birth tissue products, we emphasize the importance of generating peer-reviewed, real-world data that reflects the therapeutic potential of these regenerative materials within a level playing field. More involvement from various organizations means more innovation and affordability, saving not only money, but potentially lives, too.
In our book, that’s a win-win.