The American Medical Association (AMA) announced a number of policies at its annual conference of delegates.
Among the policies voted on by members were a future waiver of Medicaid work requirements, a new stance on public health, and additional safeguards for the use of artificial intelligence by health plans. Please read below
Increased oversight and transparency into how health plans use AI tools
AI was the focus of several new policies announced by organizations to address its increasing use in both clinical decision-making and health insurance coverage decisions.
One policy opposes the use of autonomous or semi-autonomous AI systems as a substitute for physician review in determining coverage and also calls for regulations that integrate AI technology into physician-driven processes. The group also called for additional safeguards to ensure coverage decisions are “based on accurate, up-to-date, evidence-based medical information” and reviewed by a physician.
The AMA will also advocate for regular audits of AI-powered clinical review tools and work with stakeholders to establish standards for evidence attribution, evaluation, transparency, and more for AI-powered clinical decision support systems.
According to the organization, the policy sets out the principle that AI should function as a support tool rather than an autonomous decision-maker. The AMA uses the term “augmented intelligence” when referring to AI to emphasize the technology’s complementary role in healthcare.
AMA CEO Dr. John White said in a statement that while AI has “huge potential in medicine,” such tools “cannot replace a physician’s judgment.”
“Patients need information based on the latest medical evidence and treatment decisions guided by physicians who understand their individual needs,” White said. “Whether AI is assisting physicians in clinical decision-making or insurance reviews, there must always be transparency, accountability, and meaningful physician oversight. Technology should support better care and should not stand between patients and the care they need.”
AI has been an area of focus for the AMA in recent months, as its use is rapidly increasing among both healthcare professionals and patients.
In May, the organization announced a comprehensive framework to protect doctors from fraudulent AI-generated deepfakes. And in April, it called on federal lawmakers to strengthen safeguards against the use of AI chatbots in mental health.
Opposed to using “provider” when describing a doctor
In an effort to improve patient safety and understanding, the AMA has adopted a new policy opposing the use of the term “provider” when used to include physicians.
The group said the term could have a negative impact on patient education and awareness, transparency and “physicians’ ethical responsibilities to patient safety and professionalism.” The AMA has frequently used similar language in arguing against “scope creep,” which it describes as “inappropriate expansion of scope of practice that threatens patient safety.”
The AMA has already implemented policies that support requirements for health care providers to use recognized titles to designate the types of clinicians referred, and this also applies to state and federal health care reforms.
AMA representatives also resolved to advance the protection of the patient-physician relationship and called on the organization to “take further advocacy efforts to implement Policy H-405.968, which prioritizes the use of the term ‘physician’ when discussing physicians and physicians,” according to the statement.
Opposition to flavored electronic nicotine products
The group has announced a variety of public health policies aimed at improving public health, including opposing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to approve electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products.
Through this policy, the organization will, among other things:
- We continue to oppose the approval of ENDS products with distinctive flavors such as candy, fruit, dessert, and menthol flavors.
- We insist that ENDS products under consideration for approval must share data to prove the effectiveness and durability of their age verification methods.
- Insists that FDA establish and maintain “valid and durable proof standards” for age verification systems for such products to prevent youth access
- Advocate for a ban on flavored cannabis vaping products from regulated dispensaries, retail hemp stores, and other outlets, and call for legislative changes for a nationwide ban.
Opposition to corporate medical practices
The organization also adopted “drastic policies” aimed at ameliorating long-standing objections to corporate medical practices, which it says are some of the “most specific AMA guidance to date.”
“The House of Delegates took bold steps to protect the integrity of the patient-physician relationship and ensure that medical decisions remain in the hands of physicians, not corporate interests,” AMA Board Member Marta Van Beek, M.D., said in a statement.
Key aspects of this policy, based on existing AMA guidance, include:
- See AMA support for physician ownership, governance, and independent judgment
- Oppose certain corporate ownership structures or contractual arrangements that allow unlicensed entities to control medical practices
- Identify specific contractual mechanisms that may allow an unlicensed entity to “exert direct or de facto control” over a medical practice
- Supporting increased transparency around physician practice ownership, governance structures, management agreements, and contractual control rights
Wildfire Protection Standards for Firefighters, Victims and Communities
Another policy supports the development and implementation of voluntary post-wildfire screening protocols for affected individuals and communities. Heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other air pollutants and toxic substances are required to be included in screenings.
The organization also advocates for evidence-based respiratory protection standards for wildland firefighters and easy access to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved respiratory protection equipment.
new president-elect
The medical association has named Dr. Sandra Adamson Freihofer as its next president. This appointment comes as current President-elect Dr. Willie Underwood III will take over from the outgoing Dr. Bobby Mukamara.
AMA members elect a president for a one-year term that rotates during the annual meeting each June.
