American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) action has led to a decision by the American Medical Association House of Delegates (AMA HOD) to prepare a report and develop appropriate ethical guidelines regarding physician participation in the interrogation of prisoners and detainees. The AMA HOD also announced formal policy on the presence of outside observers during clinical encounters. The actions came during the interim policy making meeting of the AMA HOD in Dallas in response to resolutions developed and introduced by the AACAP.
For immediate release:
November 22, 2005
Contact:
Kristin Kroeger Ptakowski, Deputy Executive Director, Director of Government Affairs
202.966.7300, ext. 120, kkroeger@aacap.org
Erin Baker, Communication Specialist, ext. 119, ebaker@aacap.org
DALLAS, TX—American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) action led to a decision by the American Medical Association House of Delegates (AMA HOD) to prepare a report and develop appropriate ethical guidelines regarding physician participation in the interrogation of prisoners and detainees. The AMA HOD also announced formal policy on the presence of outside observers during clinical encounters. The actions came during the interim policy making meeting of the AMA HOD in Dallas in response to resolutions developed and introduced by the AACAP.
Concerns have been raised about the nature of physician involvement in the interrogation of prisoners and detainees. Physicians need clear and unambiguous guidelines concerning their ethical obligations when asked to directly or indirectly participate in or assist with interrogation procedures. The AMA's current policy “endorses ongoing formal review of U.S. interrogation practices of prisoners and detainees.”
Testifying in support of the resolution, David Fassler, M.D., AACAP delegate to the AMA HOD, explained “Personally, I have serious concerns about the nature of physician participation described in many of the recent reports. My own view is that physicians should not have any involvement with such interrogations. I think it's incompatible with our responsibility to care for patients. However, I recognize that there are a variety of perspectives on this issue, which is why I feel the AMA is the appropriate venue for a thoughtful, inclusive and comprehensive analysis of this complex and controversial topic.”
Separately, the AMA formally adopted policy on patient privacy and the presence of outside observers during clinical encounters. The policy states, “…outside observers may be present during the medical encounter only with the patient's explicit permission and physicians should avoid situations in which an outside observer's presence may negatively influence the medical interaction and compromise care.” The policy goes on to state that “physicians should not accept payment” for these practices as it may “undermine the patient-physician relationship.” The policy is a result of a resolution, introduced by the AACAP, that called into question the practice by pharmaceutical companies of having sales representatives sit in on patient visits with physicians.
Representing over 7,500 child and adolescent psychiatrists nationwide, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is the leading authority on children’s mental health. AACAP members actively research, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders affecting children, adolescents, and their families.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is the leading authority on children’s mental health. AACAP members actively research, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders affecting children, adolescents, and their families.
Our Facts for Families, available free of charge on the AACAP website, provide concise and up-to-date information on a wide array of issues relating to children’s mental health. Written in a simple, straightforward manner, these 88 one-page fact sheets are valuable to anyone raising or working with children. In addition, the AACAP routinely refers the media to expert spokespeople on child and adolescent issues, and sponsors The Campaign for America’s Kids – an initiative designed to fund an Advocacy Institute for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, with the goal of mental health for all children.
AACAP Mission: The Mission of the AACAP is the promotion of mentally healthy children, adolescents and families through research, training, advocacy, prevention, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, peer support and collaboration.
