Saturday, June 20, 2009

Another Interesting Attempt by the AMA

I already posted about the AMA's outrageous move regarding "ungrateful patients" (luckily, the resolution did NOT pass!). Though it isn't directly related to midwifery, I cannot help but post about the other quite arrogant maneuver also suggested recently:

AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Resolution: 605 (A-09)

Introduced by: Illinois Delegation

Subject: Removing the Word "Provider" in Reference to Physicians
Referred to: Reference Committee F (David C. Fleeger, MD, Chair)

Whereas, Physician status becomes eroded when addressed by the word "provider"; and

Whereas, The word "provider" conveys subservience, lack of independence, lack of authority, lack of decision making, lack of specialized knowledge, lack of separation from other ancillary personnel, lack of respect for the MD degree, servant status; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That our American Medical Association consider the generic terms "health care providers" or "providers" as inadequate to describe the extensive education and qualifications of physicians licensed to practice medicine in all its branches (New HOD Policy); and be it further

RESOLVED, That our AMA institute an editorial policy prohibiting the use of the term "provider" in lieu of "physician" or other health professionals for all AMA journals and publications. (New HOD Policy)

Fiscal Note: Staff cost estimated at less than $500 to implement.

Received: 05/05/09

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The most significant phrase is this, "The word 'provider' conveys subservience, lack of independence, lack of authority, lack of decision making, lack of specialized knowledge, lack of separation from other ancillary personnel, lack of respect for the MD degree, servant status..."

So, they would prefer a word that conveys "being the boss"? I think this resolution is further indication of a desired erosion of personal rights with regard to medical and health care decision making. Not only should women not be allowed to choose midwifery care or homebirth (according to the AMA), but they may also not view physicians as there to "serve" them, but instead as an ultimate authority and ruler supreme?! Hmm. As someone else on a discussion group noted, "I'm beginning to think that the ordinary citizen needs to rise up and [have a resolution] not to be called 'patients' because that implies a lack of independence, subservience, lack of authority about their own bodies, lack of decision making, lack or respect, servant status..." No kidding!

--
Molly
CfM Blogger

1 comment:

Jessica said...

Holy cow...what are they going to come up with next?? I always tell my patients that THEY are the boss, and that they always reserve the right to decline something or ask more questions, and encourage them to be educated consumers. And I'm just a Med/Surg nurse! The implications of this the L&D setting are both irritating and alarming.