Advocacy Update

May 27, 2022: Advocacy Update other news

. 3 MIN READ

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the AMA has released several resources to help physicians integrate behavioral health into their practices as well as prioritize their own mental well-being. The two newly developed guides focus on behavioral health integration in private practices, one for practices serving adult patients and the other for children and adolescent populations.

In addition to these two new resources, the AMA has updated its “Managing Mental Health During COVID-19” resource, which outlines strategies to support physician mental well-being while also continuing to care for patients during the pandemic or any other crisis.

Proposals to update the AMA Guides® are being considered by the AMA Guides Editorial Panel for adoption, with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2023. Specific topics addressed include spine impairment, upper extremity range of motion, and editorial changes to ear, nose and throat. Proposals build upon the update to the Sixth Edition issued in 2022.  

Interested parties and organizations who utilize the AMA Guides are invited to participate in the process to comment on the proposed changes to the medicine and impairment ratings. The AMA Guides Editorial Panel will consider all available information and comments prior to adopting these changes as part of AMA Guides Sixth Edition, 2023. 

The public comment period is scheduled for June 1-July 15, 2022.  

Find more information on how to participate and begin the request process.

Sign up for invitations to virtually attend the AMA Guides Editorial Panel meetings: 

For more information on the AMA Guides:  

The AMA Guides–regardless of edition–are part of the legislative and regulatory fabric in most states. To discuss how to best approach legislative and regulatory changes in your state, please contact the AMA Advocacy Resource Center.    

For more information, contact [email protected]

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