AMA adopts new policies on disabled patient care

AMA supports reforms for disabled patients: The AMA passed new policy supporting Medicaid reforms that would provide disabled patients with equal access to home and community-based services so that they can live as independently as possible. The AMA supports passage of congressional legislation, the Community Choice Act of 2007, that would achieve these goals. This policy was recommended to the AMA by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine.

“People with disabilities who rely on Medicaid should not have to choose between the important care they need and the ability to live independently,” said AMA Board Member Rebecca J. Patchin, MD. “We support Medicaid reforms so that disabled patients, together with their physicians, can decide where the best place is to receive medical care and support based on patients’ individual needs.”