Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) proudly participated in the 2025 White Coat Day, hosted by the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS), one of the state’s largest annual healthcare advocacy events. Representing CIHA and the interests of patients across western North Carolina, Dr. Richard Bunio, CIHA’s Director of Medical Services, joined 65 physicians, physician assistants, residents, and medical students in Raleigh for a day of strategic dialogue with lawmakers.
“White Coat Day is about more than policy, it’s about protecting our patients,” said Dr. Bunio. “This opportunity to collaborate with other healthcare professionals and speak directly with lawmakers is essential to improving how care is delivered, especially in rural and tribal communities like ours.”
White Coat Day kicked off with a morning orientation and breakfast at the NCMS headquarters on Person Street, followed by a group photo on the organization’s steps. The day’s main focus was on two significant healthcare bills under consideration by the North Carolina General Assembly: House Bill 434, the CARE FIRST Act, and House Bill 514, the Team-Based Care Act.
Dr. Bunio and fellow attendees advocated for the passage of HB 434, a critical reform that would streamline prior authorization processes, empowering physicians to make timely and appropriate medical decisions on behalf of their patients. The proposed legislation is widely viewed as a step toward improving healthcare outcomes and reducing unnecessary administrative delays.
During the event, Dr. Bunio met with several key legislators, including Senator Kevin Corbin, a long-time advocate for rural healthcare and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. These conversations were instrumental in ensuring that the voices of CIHA and the community it serves were included in critical policy discussions.
CIHA remains committed to engaging in both state and federal advocacy that supports patient-centered care and strengthens the healthcare infrastructure for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and beyond.