The organizations representing America's primary care physicians today spoke out against proposed laws that could infringe on the patient-physician relationship.

The American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Physicians and the American Osteopathic Association oppose legislation that places limits on the content of information exchanged within the patient-physician relationship because of the potential harm it can cause to the patient's and family's health.

These organizations - that provide primary care services - represent more than 300,000 of the nation's physicians, who must be free to have open and honest communication with patients about all aspects of health and safety.

"The AAFP believes that patient confidentiality must be protected," said AAFP President Roland Goertz, MD, MBA. "Any proposal that seeks to intrude on these rights and place restrictions on what can be discussed jeopardizes a patient's health and represents unwise governmental intrusion."

A confidential relationship between patient and physician is essential for the free flow of information necessary for sound medical care. Only in a setting of trust can a patient share the private feelings and personal history that enable the physician to comprehend fully, to diagnose logically and to treat properly. If they are to provide proper care, physicians should be able to gather any information that can have an impact on the health of their patients and families.

"The American Osteopathic Association opposes any and all efforts to censor communication that occurs between patients and their physicians," said AOA President Karen J. Nichols, DO. "Any legislation that impedes on this relationship jeopardizes the health and safety not only of our patients, but also their families."

Safety and injury prevention are crucial components of preventive medical care. Primary care physicians can help improve the health of the American public by providing accurate and meaningful patient education. The AAFP, ACP and AOA have long standing policies on the need to provide patient education, particularly when guns are present in the home.

Proposed legislation in Florida and a number of other states could limit physicians from asking their patients about firearm ownership and prevent the discussion of their safe storage and handling.

Firearms education of both adults and children has been shown to decrease the likelihood of unintentional injury or death. The presence of firearms in the home, when improperly stored, can present a health danger to patients and others.

"On this particular issue, ACP's policy encourages physicians „to inform patients about the dangers of keeping firearms, particularly handguns, in the home and to advise them on ways to reduce the risk of injury,'" said ACP President Virginia L. Hood, MBBS, MPH, FACP. "However, this issue is much bigger than guns, it is about whether the government or any other body should be allowed to tell physicians what they can and can't discuss with their patients."

Source:
American Academy of Family Physicians
American College of Physicians
American Osteopathic Association