The California delegation to the American Medical Association's (AMA) House of Delegates presented a number of important resolutions at the AMA interim meeting in New Orleans. The following are summaries of some of the resolutions that the AMA House adopted as policy.
Truth and transparency in pregnancy counseling centers: Adopted a substitute resolution that asks the AMA to support that any entity offering crisis pregnancy services disclose information onsite, in advertising and before any services are provided about the medical services, contraception, termination of pregnancy or referral for services or adoption options. Advocate that any entity providing medical services to pregnant women that markets medical or any clinical services abide by licensing requirements, have the appropriate qualified licensed personnel and abide by federal health information privacy laws.
Addressing substance use and misuse in the United States: Adopted a substitute resolution that asks the AMA to promote physician training and competence on the proper use of controlled substances; encourage physicians to use screening tools; and provide references and resources for physicians so they identify and promote treatment.
Censorship of physician discussion of firearm risk: Adopted a California resolution that asks the AMA to oppose any restrictions on physicians being able to inquire and talk about firearm safety issues and risks with their patients, and oppose any law restricting physicians’ discussions with patients and their families about guns as an intrusion into medical privacy.
Generic vs. brand medications: Adopted a California resolution that asks the AMA to advocate to the Food and Drug Administration against removal of generic medications from the market in favor of more expensive brand name products based solely on a lack of studies of the efficacy of the generic drug.
Federal liability protection for EMTALA mandated care: Adopted as amended a California resolution that asks the AMA to support the extension of the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to all Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) mandated care if an evaluation of a demonstration program, as called for in AMA Policy D-130.971(6), shows evidence that physicians would benefit by such extension. And, if an evaluation of a demonstration program shows evidence that physicians would benefit by extension of the FTCA, that the AMA conduct a legislative campaign, coordinated with national specialty societies, targeted toward extending FTCA protections to all EMTALA-mandated care. And that the AMA assign a high priority to this effort.
Download an expanded summary of California resolutions from the AMA House of Delegates here.
Contact: Ginnie Yee, (415) 882-5170 or gyee@cmanet.org.