AMA 2023: New AMA Policy on Public Health
At previous meetings, the AMA HOD declared gun violence a public health crisis, specifically noting that firearms are now the number one cause of death in American children. Building upon prior policy, “New Policies to Respond to the Gun Violence Public Health Crisis” called for the AMA to advocate for policies that would prohibit inheritance, gifting, or transfer of ownership of firearms without background checks and/or waiting periods. Further, the policy also called for strong support of federal and state background check policies. Another such resolution was also adopted by the House, which advocates for streamlined processes by which physicians can assist family members, intimate partners, household members, and law enforcement to petition a court for the removal of firearm possession when there is a high risk or threat of violence. Lastly, the AMA formally called upon social media sites to take strong action against guns and gun violence that may be posted on websites. A separate policy calling for study and recommendations on teenage use of social media was also passed by the HOD.
Several policies passed also addressed the rise of mental health diagnoses in Americans, both in the adult and pediatric population. The House formally recognized loneliness and social isolation as a social driver of mental and physical health. Additionally, a policy calling the study of the evidence of efficacy of physician activity interventions on depression and anxiety outcomes.
Of interest to urologists, policy was adopted that calls for the AMA to encourage discussion of family planning counseling in all patients with reproductive potential during routine health maintenance. Recent literature has demonstrated an increase in vasectomy referrals and procedure rates since the Dobbs decision, and this implementation of this policy could certainly further build upon this observed trend.
Additional policy was passed regarding several aspects of healthcare delivery in incarcerated patients, increasing the availability of automated external defibrillators, and improving healthcare access in the homeless population.
Written by: Ruchika Talwar, MD, Urologic Oncology Fellow, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, @RuchikaTalwarMD during the 2023 AMA Annual Meeting, June 9 to June 14