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PRINCIPLES REGARDING CARE OF THE HOMELESS AND INDIGENT

The American Medical Student Association:

1.             AFFIRMS its commitment that every citizen of the United States have access to health care when needed, regardless of housing status or ability to pay. (1994)

2.             SUPPORTS the concept of physicians and physicians-in-training volunteering person-hours for the care of the homeless and indigent. (1994)

3.             ENCOURAGES individual physicians and physicians-in-training, hospitals and medical schools to initiate programs to serve the homeless and indigent. (1994)

4.             ENCOURAGES medical schools to incorporate principles of care and specific problems of care for the homeless and indigent into their curricula. (1994)

5.             URGES all medical schools to provide opportunities to their students to provide care to the homeless and indigent. (1994)

6.             URGES all medical students to avail themselves of opportunities to participate in the care of the homeless and indigent during their education. (1994)

7.             ENCOURAGES medical schools and academic health centers to undertake research into the nature and extent of health care needed by the homeless and indigent in their communities. (1994)

8.             URGES all jurisdictions to provide physicians and physicians-in-training with insurance for liability for pro-bono care for the homeless and indigent. (1994)

9.             SUPPORTS legislation providing tax exemptions and financial support for other incentives for health professionals providing pro-bono care. (1994)

10.           URGES more primary care services for the homeless and indigent in order to improve quality of life and minimize reliance on emergency departments as sole interface for healthcare access. (2006)

11.           REAFFIRMS that universal health care would significantly improve access to primary care for these populations and bolster their human right to health. (2006)

12.           ENCOURAGES medical centers to advocate for homeless and indigent patients to obtain Medicaid and other governmental entitlements. (2006)

13.           DISCOURAGES criminalization of illicit substance use among the homeless and indigent but rather encourages alternate investment in drug rehabilitation, counseling, vocational training, and education regarding economic sustainability. (2006)