FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 8, 1999
CONTACT:
Karyn Gianfrancesco
(312) 202-8042
(800) 621-1773, ext. 8042
OR
Mary Ann M. Pagaduan
(312) 202-8040
[email protected]
(800) 621-1773, ext. 8040
Gun Control Among Policies To Be Set During AOA's Annual Business Meeting
(Chicago, IL)-- Representatives of the nation's more than 43,000 osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) will convene in Chicago, July 16-18, for the AOA's House of Delegates Meeting. Approximately 340 physician delegates from state and specialty osteopathic medical associations will attend the meeting at the Fairmont Hotel. During this business meeting, organizational policies will be set for the osteopathic medical profession; 1999-2000 officers will be elected; and a new president, Eugene A. Oliveri, D.O., of Michigan, will be installed.
In addition to the resolution on gun control, the AOA House of Delegates will consider other policies that affect national health care delivery, including the following:
* After Mark McGwire broke the single-season home run record and admitted to taking androstenedione last year, its use increased rapidly. A recent study discovered that the use of this drug increases the risks of certain diseases. This drug does not require a prescription even though it closely resembles anabolic steroids that do require prescriptions.
-- The AOA will vote to oppose the use of doping substances like anabolic androgenic steroids for the purpose of enhancing athletic performance.
* An estimated 40 percent of America's health plans cover at least some Viagra pills while only 15 percent of plans cover the five primary methods of women's contraceptives.
-- The AOA will vote to support state legislation requiring all health insurance companies offering prescription services to provide coverage for Federal Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptives.
* Every year, thousands of babies in the United States die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, the past few years have seen a decrease in the number of SIDS deaths as a result of increased awareness efforts to educate people about the risks and prevention.
-- The AOA will vote to support SIDS campaigns promoted by the U.S. Public Health Service by encouraging members to educate parents and care givers of young infants to place healthy infants on their sides and backs.
* As of March 1996, the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses estimated that 71,000 registered nurses had formal preparation to practice as nurse practitioners. This health care provider can diagnose and manage most common illnesses and many chronic diseases, either as an independent practitioner or as part of a health care team.
-- The AOA will vote to support the practice of nurse practitioners only under the direct, on-site supervision of qualified D.O.s and M.D.s.
In an ever-changing health care environment, AOA policies are dedicated to preserving quality health care for all individuals and ensuring recognition of D.O.s as key providers of medical care.
The American Osteopathic Association represents more than 43,000 osteopathic physicians, encourages scientific research, promotes public health and is the accrediting agency for all osteopathic medical schools and health care facilities. For more information on osteopathic medicine, visit the AOA's Web site at www.aoa-net.org.
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Note: Advance registration is not required but recommended. Media may check in and obtain badges in the press room, which will be operational Friday and Saturday. Those who have pre-registered will receive copies of proposed resolutions in early July. The AOA's Public Relations Division can provide information on meeting activities as well as arrange interviews with physicians.
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