Syringe and Needle Exchange Programs (I-94)
This policy broadens the AMA position in support of needle exchange programs. Recent data proves the efficacy of needle exchange programs in decreasing the incidence of disease transmission through shared needles. The AMA encourages needle exchange programs, given the clear benefits shown.
Future Directions of Socioeconomic Education for Medical Students (I-94)
Recognizing the growing importance of this topic to medical students, the Council on Medical Education issued a report recommending that the AMA ask medical schools and residency programs to include the following in their curricula: basic content related to the structure and financing of the current health care system, including the organization of health care delivery, modes of practice, practice settings, cost effective use of diagnostic and treatment services, practice management, risk management and utilization review/quality assurance.
Phlebotomy Training in Medical Schools (I-94)
This policy calls for phlebotomy training programs to be updated to promote mastery of blood drawing skills through ample practice and to educate students regarding post-exposure protocols in the event of a needlestick injury before entering clinical rotations.
Physician Workforce Planning Strategies (A-94)
The AMA is committed to addressing the physician workforce supply issue through an appropriate mix of market forces, incentives, and voluntary private sector planning. Some critical concepts embodied in the most recent AMA policy statement on workforce planning were influenced by the MSS including the elimination of a statement which explicitly mentioned the possibility of limiting the number of entry level residency positions to 110% of U.S. graduates. The MSS agrees that residency caps may be necessary, but opposes using an arbitrary percent distribution. The MSS will also work to ensure that medical students are involved in all levels of the workforce planning process.
Physicians and Other Health Care Personnel as Targets of Threats, Harassment, and Violence (I-93)
As a result of this policy initiative, the AMA has developed model state legislation that defines "stalking" as a crime and that includes adequate provisions relating to physicians and other personnel providing health care services. The AMA supports increased national, state, and local protection from targeted harassment, threats, and stalking for physicians and other health care personnel.
Uniformity of State Adoption and Child Custody Laws (I-93)
This policy concerns the adoption and placement of children in foster homes and ensuring that the "best interest of the child" be the most important criterion determining custody, placement, and adoption of children.
Smoking on Trains (I-93)
The MSS has contributed extensively to the AMA-policy base on smoking and the support of a tobacco-free society by the year 2000. The MSS initiated the first AMA policy to ban cigarette smoking on commercial aircraft and continues its support with the latest policy calling for legislation that will ban smoking on passenger trains.