While the Model State Public Health Act does much to address inconsistent and outdated state legislation pertaining to infectious disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies, its current form has caused some concern about possible infringement of civil liberties.
There is a market for direct-to-consumer genetic testing and a need for better consumer information and more regulation of tests and testing laboratories.
With good planning and good will, medical professionals’ right of conscience and patients’ rights to controversial services can be both protected and accommodated.
Michael Rozier, PhD, MHS, Susan Goold, MD, MA, MHSA, and Simone Singh, PhD
Changes to CB tax policy could promote engagement with public health departments, collaboration with community-based nonprofits, and greater focus on health equity.
AMA J Ethics. 2019;21(3):E273-280. doi:
10.1001/amajethics.2019.273.
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has infringed on the trust between patient and physician. When it is repealed, physicians will have to invite confidences from patients who have long been unable to give them.