Say Hello to Dr. Briceland!

March 7, 2022
Portrait of Leah Sanford in glasses, smiling against a gray background with a purple frame and award badge.

Meet Daniel Briceland, MD


This month, the ArMA member in the spotlight is Dr. Daniel Briceland, who practices ophthalmology in Sun City West. Currently, Dr. Briceland is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix. Additionally, he is the Chairman of the Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company's (OMIC) Board of Directors.

A fierce advocate and physician leader, Dr. Briceland has a long history of involvement in organized medicine. Earlier this year, Dr. Briceland was named president-elect of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), a national organization with over 30,000 members. He has also been very involved in organized medicine at the state level; Dr. Briceland has been an ArMA member for over 20 years and has served on ArMA's Board of Directors, Legislative and Government Affairs Committee, and the Arizona Medical Political Action Committee's (ArMPAC) Board of Directors.


Learn more about Dr. Briceland and his accomplishments below! 👇

What is the one accomplishment you're most proud of?


After nearly three decades of working in advocacy at the state and federal levels, I have had the privilege of representing AAO in almost half of our state capitols. It's been an incredible privilege to advocate for the principles of high-quality, accessible care for all, which ultimately affects millions of patients across our country — a much greater impact than the care I have provided patients in my practice!

Additionally, I have been an advocate for our Veterans Affairs (VA) and Indian Health Service (IHS) ophthalmology patients on the federal level. Both of these health care systems have required significant attention over the past decade due to disparities in access and investment.

How did you come to live in Arizona?


I am originally from upstate New York, and I attended medical school at the University of Rochester. I settled in Arizona directly after completing residency training when my wife Susan was assigned to Luke Air Force Base as an OB-GYN. We quickly adapted to the opportunities of the beautiful Southwest as avid hikers and bikers.

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?


I realized that our profession was heavily influenced by legislation, regulation, insurance contracts, hospital bylaws, and boards very early in my career. The only way to amplify our voices and those of our patients is through our state and federal medical associations. Together, we can not only correct the misdirected health care policies but frame the future of high-quality, accessible care.

Why is ArMA important to you and your colleagues?


I believe that physicians have a responsibility to advocate for their patients since they are uniquely positioned to understand the complex nature of our healthcare system and discrepancies in the care provided. Organized medicine helps us fulfill this responsibility.

ADHS Issues Standing Orders for Flu, COVID-19 Vaccine Access

By Admin User • September 18, 2026
Statewide orders keep pharmacists and physicians authorized to vaccinate Arizonans amid uncertainty over the next ACIP meeting. Statewide Orders Cover the 2026-27 Flu & COVID Season The Arizona Department of Health Services has issued statewide standing orders supporting access to the 2026-27 influenza and COVID-19 vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Arizonans seeking a flu or COVID-19 vaccine should contact their physician or pharmacy to confirm availability. Why the Orders Were Issued Arizona pharmacists may administer vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for international travel, or vaccines authorized under a prescription, including a physician-issued public health standing order. With the timing of the next ACIP meeting uncertain, ADHS worked with the Arizona Board of Pharmacy to issue statewide standing orders for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which function as a prescription allowing pharmacists and physicians across Arizona to administer them to anyone who wants one. ADHS Medical Advisor Weighs In "Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect our communities. The Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines have been proven safe and effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccines help us limit the spread of disease, reduce pressure on our healthcare system and reduce costs," said Dr. Richard Carmona, ADHS public health medical advisor and the 17th U.S. Surgeon General. "We have issued these standing orders to ensure safe and timely access to the vaccines in alignment with scientific and evidence-based guidance." What Arizonans Should Know The standing orders do not require every pharmacy to offer vaccinations, and they do not guarantee insurance coverage for administration. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, so Arizonans should check with their insurance provider before scheduling an appointment. 

Arizona Asks Supreme Court to Halt Prison Health Care Takeover

By Admin User • September 18, 2026
State attorneys seek an emergency stay after lower courts reject bids to delay receivership of the prison health care system. State Makes a Last-Ditch Appeal Attorneys for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry asked the U.S. Supreme Court this week to delay a court-ordered receivership of the state's prison health care system. The request comes after both a federal district court and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to pause the takeover. In the recent application, former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement, a representative of the department, argued that the state deserves more time to make its case before surrendering control of its operations, including oversight of its employees and health care budget. Roots of the Case The dispute began in 2012 when inmates sued the department, alleging the prison system's inadequate medical, mental health, and dental care amounted to cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. The case went through years of litigation and a failed settlement agreement. In 2023, U.S. District Judge Roslyn Silver ruled that the health care system was "grossly inadequate." The court ordered the prison healthcare system to comply with more than 150 "quality indicators," but according to court-appointed monitors, the department failed to comply with 131 of the measures. In light of this finding, Silver named Annette Chambers-Smith, former director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, to take over as receiver effective Oct. 19. Arguments on Both Sides Clement argues receivership should be the last resort and that Silver moved to it too quickly. He asserts that the department has made measurable progress, including growing its health care staffing by more than 50%, expanding substance-use treatment access, and adopting a new care model. Corene Kendrick, deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union National Prison Project, which represents the roughly 25,000 people incarcerated in Arizona prisons, called the department's request a "Hail Mary" and said Silver had given the department years of opportunities to comply before ordering receivership. What Happens Next The Supreme Court has not yet set a deadline for the plaintiffs to respond to the stay request. Separately, the 9th Circuit is now reviewing the merits of the receivership order itself. The department filed its opening brief on Sept. 15, and the plaintiffs' response is due Oct. 15. Information in this article was sourced from the Arizona Mirror .