The American Medical Association met at its Interim Meeting in National Harbor, Maryland, where doctors and medical students came together to vote on new public health policies. These decisions focus on mental health support in schools, better access to treatment for opioid use disorder, improved care for veterans, and stronger safety protections for health care workers.
Push to Protect School Based Mental Health Programs
The AMA raised concerns after the federal government announced it would stop many school based mental health grants. These grants were created to train and place counselors, psychologists, and other mental health workers in K to 12 schools.
Without continued funding, many students, especially in rural and underserved areas, may lose access to the support they rely on. The AMA is calling for long term federal funding and laws that keep school based mental health workers in place. Leaders say ending these grants during a youth mental health crisis will cause serious harm to students and school communities.
Improving Access to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
The AMA also took action to protect access to buprenorphine, a key medication used to treat opioid use disorder. Some pharmacies have been afraid to order enough of the drug because large orders can be labeled as suspicious and draw attention from law enforcement.
Doctors report that this fear is blocking patients from getting the treatment they need. The AMA is asking state and federal leaders to remove these barriers and stop marking approved medications as suspicious. They also want to end insurance rules that slow treatment, such as prior authorization and step therapy. Buprenorphine has already helped lower overdose deaths, and expanding access could save even more lives.
Better Health Care for Veterans
Veterans often face higher rates of mental health conditions, substance use disorders, head injuries, and stress related illnesses. The AMA adopted new policy to make sure health care workers can identify veterans and understand their unique needs.
The AMA will support laws and regulations that require health systems to ask about military service and record important details like deployment locations and exposure risks. This information helps doctors diagnose conditions more accurately and connect veterans to the benefits they qualify for. The AMA also wants medical schools and training programs to include education on veteran health issues so future doctors are prepared to care for this community.
Stronger Protection From Ionizing Radiation
As more hospitals use imaging and procedures that involve ionizing radiation, health care workers face greater exposure risks. Long term exposure can raise the chances of cancer, heart disease, and other health problems.
To address this, the AMA passed new policy supporting better protective gear that fits all body types, including pregnant workers. They also support the use of dosimetry badges that track exposure. The policy calls for more research on radiation risks and training for health care workers on how to keep themselves and their patients safe. Medical specialty groups are encouraged to set clear education standards to reduce exposure.
A Step Forward for Public Health
These new AMA policies are meant to strengthen the health care system and protect both patients and professionals. They address pressing issues, from mental health support for students to safer working conditions for medical staff. As these policies move forward, the AMA hopes they will guide lawmakers, hospitals, and communities toward a healthier and more prepared nation.
Source : American Medical Association – https://www.ama-assn.org/
