Staff News Writer

Immunization programs in the Unites States are credited with having controlled or eliminated the spread of epidemic diseases. When it comes to exemptions from vaccinations, public health experts are faced with determining if they can be given for non-medical reasons?

Physicians took on the maintenance of certification (MOC) process at the 2015 AMA Annual Meeting, calling for more transparency and education surrounding the process. One new policy asks the American Board of Medical Specialties to develop “fiduciary standards” for its member boards.

The AMA adopted policy to help address human trafficking. The policy calls for physician education so they can identify and report suspected cases of human trafficking to the appropriate authorities while ensuring victims have the medical, legal and social resources they need.

Physicians at the 2015 AMA Annual Meeting passed policy to address insufficient funding for graduate medical education ahead of a predicted shortage of physicians over the next decade. The policy calls for the AMA to advocate for continued and expanded GME funding from federal, state, local and private sources.

Medical practices are trying to keep up with large numbers of patients who have type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Free turnkey tools are available for physicians to immediately use in their practices to help improve their patient’s health.

Physicians at the 2015 AMA Annual Meeting voted to adopt new policies to improve data and price transparency. The principles will help the AMA improve the quality of patient care and promote new payment and delivery.