Although the SGR and physician pay dominated action at the House of Delegates meeting, other topics were deliberated. Among them:
▸ Skin cancer awareness. Delegates voted for the AMA to work with public health agencies and specialty societies, such as the American Academy of Dermatology, to promote skin cancer screening and education about sun-protective behavior among people of color. Five-year survival rates for melanoma are significantly lower among African Americans than whites (58.8% vs. 84.8%), and melanoma incidence among Hispanics now approaches that of whites, according to a statement from the AMA. Noting that African Americans and Hispanics are much less likely to practice sun-protective behaviors, AMA board of trustees member Peter W. Carmel said, “All patients regardless of race or ethnicity should use the same sun-protection measures including sunscreen of at least SPF 15, avoid the sun during peak hours, and [get] regular exams.”
▸ Support for new antibiotics. Delegates adopted policy to educate the public, physicians, the Obama administration, and Congress regarding the looming problem of antimicrobial resistance and the shortage of new antibiotic drugs in the development pipeline. Specifically, the policy endorses the “10 20” initiative sponsored by the Infectious Diseases Society of America, which urges global action by political, scientific, medical, industry, and policy leaders to drive the development of at least 10 effective new antibiotics by 2020.
▸ Smoke-free housing. Delegates passed a resolution to encourage federal, state, and local housing authorities to adopt policies prohibiting smoking in multi-unit housing. The word “public” was removed from language recommended by the public health reference committee to broaden support for efforts to include private multi-unit housing as well. Mention was made on the floor of evidence pointing to the health hazards of third-hand smoke, the residue that remains on walls, carpeting, and other surfaces for extended periods.
▸ E-cigarette regulation. Delegates voted in favor of a report from the AMA Council on Science and Public Health recommending that e-cigarettes be classified as drug delivery devices and be subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration with standards for identity, strength, purity, packaging, and labeling, and with instructions and contraindications for use. The new policy also asks state legislatures to prohibit the sale of non–FDA approved e-cigarettes and recommends that the devices be covered by smoke-free laws but be classified separately from tobacco products.
▸ Education about the Gulf oil spill. Delegates approved policy advocating that the AMA work to educate health professionals and the public on the potential health risks of oil spills and to encourage research on the Gulf oil spill's impact on air and water quality.