Referral change
(orginally numbered Res. 107)
TEXAS MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Resolution 306 (A-06)
Subject: Addiction is a Disease Process
Introduced by: Bexar County Medical Society
Referred to: Reference Committee on Science and Education
Whereas, The Texas Medical Board treats addiction problems in physicians as a punishable offence; and
Whereas, Health insurance carriers do not treat the disease of addiction with parity compared with other diseases; and
Whereas, The American Medical Association and the Texas Medical Association have agreed that addiction is a disease process; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Texas Medical Association urge the Texas Medical Board (TMB) to (1) treat addiction among physicians as a disease process, and (2) work with TMB to resolve inequities in how the disease of addiction in physicians is treated in Texas; and be it further
RESOLVED, That TMA work with TMB to develop and implement a diversion program for the treatment of addicted physicians in Texas .
Relevant TMA Policy
105.005 Physician Impairment as Medical Problem : The Texas Medical Association will pursue legislation which directs that the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners shall consider matters of chemical dependency and mental health problems as medical illnesses rather than as a basis for disciplinary action (Committee on Physician Health and Rehabilitation, p 51, A-93; amended BOC Rep. 3-A-03).
TMA House of Delegates: TexMed 2006
Last Updated On
July 06, 2010
Originally Published On
March 23, 2010