AMA Adopts New Policies at 2018 Interim Meeting
The
The
The policies adopted by the
Affirming the Medical Spectrum of Gender
The AMA will oppose efforts to deny an individual's right to determine their stated sex marker or gender identity. The new policy comes just weeks after a memo circulated within the
"Sex and gender are more complex than previously assumed," said AMA Board Member
The AMA will work to preserve access to quality health care by educating state and federal policymakers to ensure they have a fundamental understanding of the scientific nature of a person's sex.
Protecting the Integrity of Public Health Data Collection
In recognition of a need to better understand the health of sexual and gender minorities, the AMA will advocate for collection of demographic data in federal and state surveys that is inclusive of sexual and gender identity.
The collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data is essential to allow physicians, public health experts, researchers and others to address health disparities and ensure care needs are met," said AMA Board Member
The new AMA policy covers, but is not limited to, data collection by the
Opposing the Detention of Migrant Children
The AMA will continue to oppose and object to policies separating migrant children from their families, as well as any effort to end or weaken a 1997 legal settlement that limits the length of time and conditions under which the
"The AMA supports the humane treatment of all undocumented children, and advocates for regular, unannounced auditing of the medical conditions and services provided at all detention facilities," said
According to reports, some immigrant children detained by the
"While immigrant children have experienced multiple emotional traumas on their travels to the
Increased Access to Identification Cards for the Homeless Population
Recognizing that a lack of identification serves as a major barrier for homeless individuals seeking medical care, in particular preventing them from enrolling in Medicaid, delegates approved a resolution supporting legislative and policy changes that streamline, simplify, and reduce/eliminate the cost of obtaining identification cards for the homeless population. Unlocking Medicaid access would have tremendous benefit for the homeless population, 36 percent of which suffers from a severe mental illness or chronic substance abuse. Additionally, 43 states allow pharmacists to require photographic identification prior to dispensing drugs, and, according to the
"It is outrageous that the small fees associated with getting a birth certificate or state ID are preventing homeless Americans from receiving access to care and services they desperately need," said
Increasing Patient Access to Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV in Emergency Departments
There were 323,450 reports of rape or sexual assault in
"It is critical for sexual assault survivors to undergo a medical forensic examination within 72 hours of being assaulted to properly document their physical injuries and obtain evidence necessary for prosecution. It is also essential that these patients are offered HIV testing and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis within 72 hours. However, it can be difficult for emergency physicians to simultaneously oversee these very necessary and specific multiple-hour examinations while also caring for emergent patients," said
Additionally, the AMA's new policy calls for HIV testing and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to be offered to all survivors of sexual assault who present within 72 hours of a substantial exposure risk. The new policy also aims to increase public education on PEP, which is an antiretroviral medication that has been shown effective in preventing infection after HIV exposure only if taken within 72 hours.
New AMA Policies Adopted on Final Day of 2018 Interim Meeting
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