AMA 2023: New AMA Policy on Science and Technology
Newly passed policy took a strong stance against medical and public health misinformation posted online, encouraging companies and organizations to strengthen content moderation policies. To combat the recent rise of direct-to-consumer laboratory testing that does not require physician orders or prescriptions, the AMA passed policy that called for physician-led teams to order appropriate laboratory work only to facilities that are certified. Further, the policy stressed that providers who do offer such direct-to-consumer testing assume responsibility for evaluation, pre- and post-test counseling, and appropriate follow up.
Additionally, the HOD adopted new policy relating to clinical trials and drug approvals. The policy called for study regarding the use comparative effectiveness research in the US Food and Drug Administration regulatory processes; it also advocates for increase National Institutes of Health support to fund such studies for approved drugs, including comparisons to generics, biosimilars, and off-label uses. This policy strives to overcome the lack of financial incentives to study drugs that are not on-patent, and aims to improve access and lower costs for patients.
The House also passed policy relating to sexual health. The harmful compound phthalate has been removed from water bottles and children’s toys, but remains in adult personal sexual products. A resolution introduced by the medical student section of the AMA encourages the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to perform a risk assessment of adult sexual products as a source of phthalates and increase consumer awareness regarding the issue.
Several resolutions were introduced and adopted relating to the diversity within science and technology, including diversification of stem cell biobanks and disease models, data from medical device utilization and performance, and disparities in cardiovascular disease patients, including South Asians residing in the US.
Written by: Ruchika Talwar, MD, Urologic Oncology Fellow, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, @RuchikaTalwarMD during the 2023 AMA Annual Meeting, June 9 to June 14