260.000 PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY

(See also Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, 15.000; Environmental Health, 90.000; Health Insurance Coverage, 120.000; Mental Illness, 205.000; Nuclear War, Weapons and Terrorism, 215.000; Peer Review, 225.000; Reimbursement, 265.000; Vaccines, 312.000;  Violence and Abuse, 315.000; Weight Management & Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles, 320.000)

260.872           Establish a Tax on Sugar Sweetened Beverages for Public Physical and Fiscal Health

The Medical Society of the State of New York supports that funds raised through taxes on Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) be used to support the New York State Prevention Agenda – the state’s health improvement plan for state and local action to improve the health and well-being of all New Yorkers (HOD 2024-156, referred to Council; substitute adopted 11/21/24)

260.873           Electrical Scooters and Bicycles with Electrical Assist

The Medical Society of the State of New York supports legislation requiring electrical scooters and bicycles with electric assist, used for commercial purposes to have vehicle registration.

MSSNY supports legislation requiring that any electric scooters and bicycles with electric assist, used for commercial purposes must carry insurance and again be registered as they may cause injury to people and property.

MSSNY supports legislation requiring that violations must carry a fine or removal of license to operate electrical scooters and bicycles with electrical assist, used for commercial purposes for repeated offenses, such as lack of helmet (which would be against existing law), riding against traffic, driving while under influence of any substance that can alter reaction time and judgement. (HOD 2024 – 173)

260.874           Providing Information on Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO)

The Medical Society of the State of New York will raise awareness of the Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) process and that physicians may opt to use this process to protect patients and family members and that MSSNY provide links to the New York’s Unified Court System which has a step-by-step guide and other information for filing the ERPO, on the MSSNY website, publications, and other communications methodologies that are available.

260.875           MSSNY Principles of Public Health During an Infectious Disease Outbreak

The Medical Society of the State of New York believes in and supports these core principles:

1. Promotion of evidence-based medical science
2. Advocating for public health agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the New York State Department of Health, and the World Health Organization, to lead measures related to public health, especially in times of infectious disease outbreaks or pandemics.
3. Promotion of immunization as the number one preventive health measure for vaccine-preventable diseases.
4. Promotion of preventive or mitigation measures for communicable diseases such as masking in healthcare facilities and, within society, social distancing and isolation and quarantine if needed.
5. Protection of physicians, healthcare workers, and public health workforce, which includes ensuring that a supply of personal protective equipment is available, and that these groups receive the first round of any immunization needed. (HOD 2024 – 166)

260.876           Ask NYS To Maintain Public Health Funding and Infrastructure

The Medical Society of the State of New York supports maintaining or increasing Article 6 funding for local health departments and their infrastructure in the New York State Budget. (HOD 2024 – 155)

260.877           Biotin Supplement Packaging Disclaimer

The Medical Society of the State of New York supports efforts to have over-the-counter biotin supplements provide a clear disclaimer on the bottle that states the possibility of lab test interference.

The Medical Society of the State of New York supports efforts to have over-the-counter biotin provide a clear disclaimer on the bottle that states the possibility of lab test interference,

A copy of this resolution will be transmitted to the AMA for consideration at its House of Delegates. (HOD 2024 – 153)

260.878           Safety Concerns Regarding Inadequate Labeling of Food Products Upon Ingredient Changes with Know Major Food Allergens

The Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) supports legislation or regulation that any repackaging entity verify with the food manufacturer/distributor as an ordinary and routine transaction of commerce that no major food allergen ingredient changes have occurred.

MSSNY supports legislation or regulation requiring major food allergen ingredient changes be labeled and packaged with accentuated, obvious warning labeling identifying such change.

A copy of this resolution will be transmitted to the AMA for consideration at its House of Delegates. (HOD 2024 – 152)

260.879           House Fires Due to Lithium-Ion Batteries

MSSNY urges lawmakers to enforce stricter consumer product safety standards for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in devices like electric bicycles and scooters to protect against the risk of fires.

MSSNY advocates for more resources allocated towards inspectors who can ensure prevention of the sale of second-use lithium-ion batteries.

MSSNY advocates for more legislative oversight on delivery companies and encouraging them to ensure that their drivers comply with safety standards. (HOD 2024 – 151)

260.880           Advocating for the Addition of Osteopathic Distinction DO Option on Customizable License Plates in NYS

MSSNY shall engage in proactive dialogue with the appropriate bodies, including the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and legislative representatives, to advocate for the inclusion of a “DO” option on customizable license plates. (HOD 2024 – 112)

260.881           Handicap Exemption in the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Congestion Pricing Plan

The Medical Society of the State of New York will advocate that congestion pricing tolls not apply to individuals traveling for necessary medical visits. (HOD 2024 – 72)

260.882           Let the Community Lead the Response

The Medical Society of the State of New York supports the position that in times of a public health crisis the State Health    Commissioner should seek input from community-based physicians to implement a scientific and medical response to the crisis. (HOD 2022-155; Reaffirmed HOD 2023-161)

260.883           Osteoporosis Awareness Education and Treatment

MSSNY supports increased New York State funding to raise awareness for patients and healthcare professionals of the importance of screening for and treating Osteoporosis. (HOD 2022-150

260.884           Mandatory COVID Vaccination and Masking

The Medical Society of the State of New York strongly advocates for mandatory COVID-19 vaccination among all healthcare works and support staff who regularly interface with the public. MSSNY strongly advocates for mandatory COVID-19 vaccination among all school-aged children once the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirm the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines in the pediatric population.

For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and based upon the recommendations of the CDC and/or the New York State Department of Health, the Medical Society of the State of New York strongly advocates for mandatory facial masking among all healthcare workers and support staff who regularly interface with the public, as well as all students, teachers, and administrative and support personnel in all primary, secondary, and postsecondary educational facilities in New York State. (Adopted by Council 9/23/21; Reaffirmed HOD 2022 in lieu of 2022-161; Reaffirmed HOD 2023-163)

260.885           Electronic Powered Transportation Vehicles

The Medical Society of the State of New York will advocate for safety measures and stricter penalties for hit and run e-scooter and e-bikes offenses. (HOD 2021-150) 

260.886           Optimizing the Online Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Medical Society of the State of New York will advocate for policy that would facilitate expansion of the number of vendors that participate in the online Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in New York State. (HOD 2021-103)

260.887           COVID Crisis in India

MSSNY in conjunction with our AMA will urge the US government to provide all possible assistance including surplus vaccines and vaccines that have not had Emergency Use Authorization to the citizens of India and other countries in similar situations in a humanitarian crisis.

MSSNY in conjunction with our AMA will advocate for all possible assistance in the COVID-19 crisis through the World Medical Association (WMA) and World Health Organization (WHO) for government and the citizens of India and other countries in similar situations.

MSSNY in conjunction with our AMA recognizes the extraordinary efforts of many dedicated physicians and ethnic organizations assisting in the COVID-19 humanitarian crisis. (Adopted Council 6/3/21)

260.888           Support for Impairment Research

The Medical Society of the State of New York will ask that the AMA study the impairment of drivers and other operators of mechanized vehicles by substances, fatigue, medical or mental health conditions and that a report be made which includes whether there are office or hospital-based methods to efficiently and effectively assess impairment of drivers with recommendations for further research that may be needed.  (HOD 2020-165) 

260.889           Policy Related to the Sex Trade in New York

The Medical Society of the State of New York opposes human trafficking of all individuals and supports legislation that provides resources, counseling and support for individuals choosing to leave the sex trade.  (HOD 2020-158) 

260.890           Tax Credits to Promote Safe Firearm Storage

The Medical Society of the State of New York supports efforts to promote safe firearms storage.  (HOD 2020-155) 

260.891           Prohibit Ghost Guns

The Medical Society of the State of New York supports state and federal legislation and regulation that would subject homemade weapons to the same regulations and licensing requirements as traditional ones.  MSSNY will introduce a resolution to the AMA which will seek support for state and federal legislation and regulation which would subject homemade weapons to the same regulations and licensing requirements as traditional ones.  (HOD 2020-54)

260.892           Availability of Testing to Diagnose PeriProsthetic Joint Infections

MSSNY will support regulatory or statutory changes to make periprosthetic joint infection testing available to patients.  (HOD 2019-157)

260.893           Increased Accessibility of Emergency Epinephrine for Anaphylactic Response

The Medical Society of the State of New York will support legislative action to bring about training on and accessibility to emergency epinephrine in areas deemed to be high risk, including but not limited to those focused on children and food service, such as childcare facilities, schools, school buses, food-service areas and restaurants. (HOD 2019-108) 

260.894           Amicus on Public Health

The Medical Society of the State of New York will continue to work with the American Medical Association to support the right of state and local governments to regulate public health matters within their jurisdiction. (HOD 2019-59)

260.895           New York Safe Act

The Medical Society of the State of New York supports a “red flag” concept in New York State as well as educating physicians in New York State about the NYSAFE Act as a mechanism to help physicians reduce the risk of suicide in patients.  (Council January 24, 19)

260.896           Life-Threatening Complications with Hip Replacements

The Medical Society of the State of New York will work with the NYS Society of Orthopedic Surgeons to educate physicians regarding existing clinical data registries that collect data regarding poorly performing implants to better assure physicians have necessary information to, where appropriate, inform their patients.  MSSNY will urge the AMA to work with the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) to increase the adoption of musculoskeletal registries so as to aid early detection capabilities of poorly performing implants and report to the public on clinical statistics and inform quality improvement and educational activities.  (HOD 2018-66; Council Nov 1, 18;)

260.897           Reduce Gun Use by Suicidal Patients

The Medical Society of the State of New York recognizes that gun violence in the United States is a public health crisis and supports legislation that would reverse the ban prohibiting the Center for Disease Control from researching gun related injuries, deaths and suicides related to this violence.

MSSNY will create a task force to study and make recommendations regarding how health care providers can play a role in safely sequestering a patient’s firearms to reduce risk of suicide during a vulnerable time.  (HOD 2018-159) 

260.898           Strengthening the Background Check System for Firearm Sales

The Medical Society of the State of New York supports legislation that requires a waiting period and background checks prior to the purchase of all firearms, including the person-to-person transfer, internet sales, and interstate transactions of all firearms.  This resolution will be forwarded to the AMA.  (HOD 2018-158) 

260.899           Banning the Sale of Bump Stocks

The Medical Society of the State of New York supports legislation that blocks the sale of any device or modification including, but not limited to bump stocks, which functionally converts a firearm into a weapon that mimics fully-automatic operation.  MSSNY supports legislation which would ban the sale and/or ownership of high capacity magazines or clips and high speed, high destruction rounds.  This resolution will be forwarded to the AMA.  (HOD 2018-157) 

260.900           Caffeine Labeling with Warnings

The Medical Society of the State of New York will forward a resolution to the AMA which will urge the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take action on the following:

1. mandate all products that contain caffeine be labeled with the amount per serving;
2. require decaffeinated drinks be labeled with the amount of caffeine remaining in the product;
3. that all places of business selling caffeinated and decaffeinated drinks be required to include the amount of caffeine in beverages served.

MSSNY will also collaborate with other health advocacy organizations, including the New York State Department of Health and the AMA, to raise awareness among adolescents and adults on the health dangers of caffeine which include examples of size equivalency. (HOD 2018-153)

260.901           Policy on Quarantine

The Medical Society of the State of New York policy supports state and local government quarantines that are developed based from evidence-based medicine and which have strong due process protections.  MSSNY supports the collaboration of the medical profession with state and local public health officials, taking an active role, to ensure that quarantine and isolation interventions are evidence-based.  A copy of this resolution will be forwarded to the AMA House of Delegates for its consideration. (HOD 2017-154) 

260.902           Treatment of Onychomycosis

The Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) recognizes onychomycosis of the toenails as an infectious disease that may cause pain, reduce mobility, create ulcerations, and may cause secondary infections leading to serious health complications.  MSSNY recognizes fungal infections of the toenail have a high incidence in the general public, and specifically at-risk diabetic patients, creating a public health issue.  The Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) supports the treatment of onychomycosis by all physicians and properly licensed providers including doctors of podiatric medicine. (HOD 2017-250)

260.903           Smart Guns and Firearm Safety

The Medical Society of the State of New York continues to support background checks for firearm purchases and will advocate for firearm safety education in all settings as a component of firearm licensing and supports expansion and implementation of technologies to improve gun safety. (HOD 2016-154 & 155)

260.904           Protecting Public Health from Natural Gas Infrastructure

The Medical Society of the State of New York recognizes the potential impact on human health and environment associated with natural gas infrastructure and supports governmental assessment of the health and environmental risks that are associated with natural gas pipelines.

A copy of this resolution will be transmitted to the AMA for consideration by its House of Delegates. (HOD 2015-159) 

260.905           Prohibiting Sale of Powdered Caffeine

The Medical Society of the State of New York affirms as policy that pure powdered caffeine should not be available for consumer retail sale or its distribution.  One of MSSNY’s public health committees will issue a statement about powdered caffeine and its potential for misuse, overdose and harmful effects upon individuals and forward the statement to members of the legislature and state officials.  (HOD 2015-152) 

260.906           Child Proof Packages for E-Cigarette Liquid Refills

The Medical Society of the State of New York will support regulations and/or legislation to create a requirement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that liquid nicotine be only available in child-resistant packages, that the sale of nicotine come with appropriate warnings of the dangers of nicotine and instructions on its safe storage; and that the sale and distribution in the U.S. of liquid nicotine be prohibited to anyone under the age of 21.

A similar resolution will be transmitted to the American Medical Association for consideration at its next meeting of the House of Delegates.  (HOD 2015-151) 

260.907           Child Resistant Caps

The Medical Society of the State of New York will support state legislation requiring child-resistant packaging on all high energy drinks manufactured for sale in New York State and will urge the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and/or U.S. Congress take similar action on the federal level.

A copy of this resolution will be transmitted to the  American Medical Association for consideration at its next meeting of the House of Delegates. (HOD 2015-150) 

260.908           DVT and Air Travel: SUNSET HOD 2024

260.909           Protecting Public Health from Elevated Radon Exposure

The Medical Society of the State of New York supports policy that limits exposure to radon and its decay products which are known to cause primary lung cancer in non-smokers and potentiate the likelihood of lung cancer in smokers.

The Medical Society of the State of New York supports legislation that protects public health by ensuring that New York State is committed to reducing sources of excess radon emissions, and monitoring radon gas exposure levels to confirm that these radon gas levels do not exceed the recommended levels set by the Environmental Protection Agency. (HOD 2014-154; Reaffirmed HOD 2024)

260.910           Support for the Breast Cancer Patient Education Act: SUNSET HOD 2024

260.911:          Maintaining Public Safety and Trust in Medicine: SUNSET HOD 2023

260.912:          Public Health Implications of Natural Gas Extraction Using Hydraulic Fracturing

MSSNY reaffirms policy 90.992 and supports the planning and implementation of a health impact assessment to be conducted by a New York State school of public health.  MSSNY will advocate for the establishment of an industry-funded, independently-arbitrated state trust fund for people who may be harmed as a result of hydraulic fracturing; and oppose any non-disclosure provisions related to the practice of hydraulic fracturing that interfere with any aspect of the patient-doctor relationship and/or the ready collection of epidemiological data for future health impact studies. (HOD 2013-171; reaffirmed HOD 2023)

260.913:          Regulation of Tattoo Procedures: SUNSET HOD 2023

260.914:          Banning the Marketing and Sale of “High-Energy/Stimulant Drinks” to Children/Adolescents Under the Age of 18

MSSNY supports a ban on the marketing of “high stimulant/caffeine drinks” to children/adolescents under the age of 18 until such time as the scientific evidence regarding the possible adverse medical effects such drinks may have on children and adolescents is determined. (HOD 2013-161; Modified and Reaffirmed HOD 2023)

260.915:          Statewide “Don’t Text and Drive Initiative”: SUNSET HOD 2023

260.916:          Farm Use of Antibiotics

MSSNY will work with interested parties to develop new or to improve existing FDA guidelines concerning the prudent use of antibiotics in livestock to protect patients from the dangers of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. (HOD 2013-158; reaffirmed HOD 2023)

260.917:          Pharmacy Practice of Medicine

MSSNY will work to oppose legislation or regulation that would enable retail clinics owned by publicly traded corporations to be established in the State of New York. (HOD 2013-109 and 110; Reaffirmed HOD 2023; Reaffirmed HOD 2024)

260.918         Warning New York State Citizens of Products known to Cause Cancer, Birth Defects or Other Reproductive Harm: SUNSET HOD 2022

260.919        Ban on Tanning Devices for Children and Teens: SUNSET HOD 2021

260.920        Restoration of Funding for New York State Poison Control System: SUNSET HOD 2020

260.921        Guidelines, Infrastructure and Educational Program re Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasis:

MSSNY will:

-support the development of guidelines for an Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (AIN) screening program for high risk populations which would emphasize the development of an infrastructure for diagnosis and treatment;

-develop an educational program for physicians and health care providers on the use of High Resolution Anoscopy (HRA) contingent upon efforts being made to seek financial support for such a program;

-seek to have the guidelines, infrastructure and educational program supported by a multidisciplinary group of specialists (including primary care physicians, obstetricians/ gynecologists, colorectal surgeons, pathologists, and other leadership of diagnostic laboratories);

-continue to advocate for continued research in the area of screening, diagnosis, and treatment of AIN.

-support patient enrollment in the ANCHOR study and other trials that define the standard of care.(Council 6/25/09; Reaffirmed with amendment HOD 2019)

260.922        Patient Prescriptions:  (HOD 2008-168; SUNSET HOD 2018)

260.923        Country of Origin of Medicines and Personal Products:  (HOD 2008-165; SUNSET HOD 2018)

260.924        Expiration Dates:  (HOD 2008-164; SUNSET HOD 2018)

260.925        Increase Funding for Lung Cancer Research:

MSSNY will support efforts to increase funding for lung cancer research to aid in prevention, early diagnosis and treatment methods.  (HOD 2008-159; Reaffirmed HOD 2018)

260.926        Impact of the Medical Malpractice Crisis on Women’s Health:

MSSNY will approach the leadership of the National Organization for Women, the Susan Komen Foundation and other advocacy groups for women, so that MSSNY leadership and the leadership of these organizations may work jointly to improve the access of all women to timely, affordable and high quality health care.  (HOD 2008-98; Reaffirmed HOD 2018)

260.927        Physician Reporting of Patients Who Should Not Drive: (Council 3/3/08; SUNSET HOD 2018)

260.928         Medical Certification of Drivers Covered by Article 19-A:

MSSNY will work with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to:

(1) produce standard, accessible guidelines that support a medically sound and administratively efficient process for medical certification of drivers covered by Article 19-A;

(2) increase the confidentiality of driver medical records by limiting their access to appropriate personnel; and

(3) provide physician oversight for the medical certification program, including careful revision of required forms and methods for submission of required medical information.  (Council 6/25/07; Reaffirmed HOD 2017)

260.929        Increasing the Blood Supply:

MSSNY will advocate to the Food and Drug Administration that its guidance is discriminatory to large populations of potential blood donors and that this policy has not kept pace with screening technology and with the spread of specific diseases; and, also, that a uniform screening of donors be put in place for all populations and that the lifetime restriction for men who have had sex with men since 1977 be eliminated.  (HOD 2007-160; Reaffirmed HOD 2017)

260.930        Irradiation of Food Products: (Sunset HOD 2017)

260.931        Insurance for People Released from Prison:

MSSNY will advocate that the New York State Division of Parole assures that parolees are enrolled in public or private insurance programs for which they are eligible at the time they are released. (HOD 2007-111; Reaffirmed HOD 2017)

260.932        MSSNY as a Patient Safety Organization: (Sunset HOD 2017)

260.933        Manufacturer Labeling of Medical Supplies:

MSSNY will seek the passage of state regulation and/or legislation that mandates that all manufacturers of sterile medical equipment sold in the state of New York have an easily readable, clearly stamped expiration date on the package.  (HOD 2007-100; Reaffirmed HOD 2017)

260.934        Retail Clinics: (Sunset HOD 2016)

260.935        Reporting of Non-Communicable Illness: (Sunset HOD 2016)  

260.936           Lead Poisoning:

MSSNY advocates for blood lead testing at age 1 and 2; and supports components of the New York State Health Department Plan “Eliminating Childhood Lead Poisoning in New York State by 2010.”  MSSNY continues its advocacy efforts for stronger legislative measures to prevent lead poisoning in children and adults, and for enhancing local state and federal funds allocated for prevention of lead poisoning in children and adults.  MSSNY supports efforts to educate physicians and other health professionals regarding the hazards of lead poisoning.  (HOD 2005-164; Reaffirmed HOD 2006-168; Reaffirmed HOD 2009-166; Reaffirmed with amendment HOD 2019).

260.937           Amendment to Bankruptcy Legislation:

MSSNY will advocate that Congress restore protections to people devastated by the financial impact of medical illness and convey this position to the AMA. (HOD 2005-94; Modified and reaffirmed HOD 2015)

 260.938           Individuals with Autism and Intellectual Disability: 

MSSNY continues to support state and federal funds be available for research and treatment of individuals with autism and for individuals with an intellectual disability.  (HOD 2004-164; Modified and reaffirmed HOD 2014; Modified and reaffirmed HOD 2024)

260.939        Impaired Drivers: The Physician’s Dilemma: SUNSET HOD 2021

260.940           Automated External Defibrillators: 

MSSNY supports state and federal efforts to increase funding for the purchase of automated external defibrillator devices so that they are available in the community.  (HOD 2004-166; Modified and reaffirmed HOD 2014)

260.941           Adequate Cell Phone Service Throughout New York State:

MSSNY will continue to support all appropriate efforts of the state and municipalities to eliminate cell phone dead zones in all service areas of New York State in the interest of public safety.  (HOD 2004-158; Reaffirmed HOD 2014; Reaffirmed HOD 2024)

260.942           Free Access to Fresh Water at Food Establishments: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.943           Government to Support Community Exercise Venues: 

MSSNY encourages towns, cities and counties across New York State to make recreational physical activity more available by utilizing existing or building walking paths, bicycle trails, swimming pools, beaches and community recreational and fitness facilities; and encourage municipalities to provide tax breaks and grants toward these community projects in the same way that they support the building and maintenance of highways, shipping harbors, railroad lines, and airports.  (HOD 2004-152; Modified and reaffirmed HOD 2014; Reaffirmed HOD 2024)

260.944           Lead Poisoning:  SUNSET HOD 2019

260.945           Identification of Slave-Made Products:

MSSNY is opposed to slave labor throughout the world.  (HOD 2003-157; Modified and Reaffirmed HOD 2013; Reaffirmed HOD 2023)

260.946           Potassium Iodide (KI) Distribution:

MSSNY supports emergency plans at nuclear plants and within the surrounding communities for the distribution of potassium iodide (KI) for those people within a 50-mile radius of a nuclear reactor site together with the appropriate guidelines for use. (HOD 2002-155; Modified and Reaffirmed HOD 2013; reaffirmed HOD 2023)

260.947           Mammography Screening for Breast Cancer: SUNSET HOD 2013

260.948           Mammography and Breast Cancer: SUNSET HOD 2021

260.949           Post Disaster Mental Health Consequences of Concern: 

MSSNY will educate practicing physicians to help them a) reach out to those potentially affected by the natural, made-made or terrorism-related disasters  b) counsel those in psychological need, c) detect, refer, and treat post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, substance abuse, and other conditions arising from the events.  (HOD 2002-165; Modified and Reaffirmed HOD 2013; Modified and Reaffirmed HOD 2023)

260.950           Further Integration of Mental Health and General Health:

MSSNY supports the position of executive deputy commissioner within the New York City Department of Public Health be filled by a board-certified psychiatrist.  (HOD 2002-164; Modified and Reaffirmed HOD 2013; Reaffirmed HOD 2023; Reaffirmed HOD 2024)

260.951           Physician Use of Health Commerce System:

MSSNY will with the New York State Department of Health in promoting and helping facilitate the use of the Health Commerce System to provide urgent information to physicians throughout the state.  (HOD 2002-163; Modified and Reaffirmed HOD 2013; Modified and Reaffirmed HOD 2023; Reaffirmed HOD 2024)

260.952           Autism  SUNSET HOD 2021

260.953           Illegal Pesticides  SUNSET HOD 2021

260.954           Emergency Management Preparation for Bioterrorist Attacks

MSSNY continues to work with the appropriate state and federal agencies to ensure that all of New York State has appropriate emergency preparedness plans, including bioterrorist attacks.  (HOD 2001-158; Reaffirmed HOD 2011; Amended and Reaffirmed HOD 2021)

260.955           Treatment Options of Fibromyalgia

MSSNY will encourage efforts to seek additional funding for research projects into the physiologic basis and treatment options of fibromyalgia syndromes.  (HOD 2001-153; Reaffirmed HOD 2011; Reaffirmed HOD 2021)

260.956           Assisted Living Program Access  SUNSET HOD 2021

260.957           Bone Density Tests and Osteoporosis:

The Medical Society of the State of New York believes early detection and prevention, diagnosis and treatment can effectively combat osteoporosis. The Medical Society is committed to educating physicians and New York State residents about this disease. The Medical Society will support legislation or regulation that will ensure that women and men are able to receive insurance coverage for bone density tests and for the hormone and other therapies that are recommended by physicians. (White Paper on Women’s Health Initiatives, Council 11/2/00; Reaffirmed HOD 2002-162; Modified and Reaffirmed HOD 2013; Reaffirmed HOD 2022)

260.958           Herbal Substances: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.959           Avian Monitoring for Encephalitis Viruses: SUNSET HOD 2024

260.960           Pain Management: SUNSET HOD 2024

260.961           Folic Acid and the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.962           Irradiated Food: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.963           Medical Errors Data: 

MSSNY will urge that the New York State Department of Health provide to MSSNY statistical data identifying the five (5) most common medical errors that occur in New York.

MSSNY will study the medical error data provided by the DOH and, through the Committee on Interspecialty, the MSSNY Bioethical Issues Committee, and other appropriate MSSNY committees, develop systems and/or surgical/medical protocols which will result in the reduction of erroneous medical outcomes and ultimate prevention of medical errors.

MSSNY will urge the Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Company (MLMIC) to include in risk management seminars for their insured physicians education with respect to a reduction of medical error rates in the State of New York.  (HOD 2000-87; Reaffirmed HOD 2014; Reaffirmed HOD 2024)

260.964           Organ/Tissue Donation Information on Health Insurance Cards:  SUNSET HOD 2014

260.965           Prevention of Pneumococcal Disease SUNSET HOD 2014

260.966           Asthma Warning Labels for Yellow Dye Number 5 Food Coloring:  SUNSET HOD 2014

260.967           FDA Regulation of Nutritional Supplements: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.968           Prominent Notice of Product Reformulation on Cosmetic Products SUNSET HOD 2014

260.969           Prudent Layperson – 911 Calls: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.970           Improving Asthma Outcomes While Reducing Costs: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.971           Women’s Health Training:  SUNSET HOD 2014

260.972           Needles and Syringes, Over-the-Counter Sale of: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.973           Chlamydia Infection Sexually Transmitted, Screening for In Routine Care: SUNSET HOD 2014, see policy 15.957

260.974           Calcium, Optimal Intake of: 

MSSNY supports efforts to educate both patients and the public about the need for optimal dietary calcium intake in all age groups to prevent osteoporosis. (HOD 1996-159; Modified and Reaffirmed HOD 2014; Reaffirmed HOD 2024)

260.975           Scented Inserts in Magazines and Mailings, Prohibition of: 

MSSNY will advocate to prohibit the unsolicited distribution of scented inserts and other odor-emanating materials in magazines and through the mail because of the deleterious effects it has on the health of many individuals. (HOD 1996-171; Modified and Reaffirmed HOD 2014; Reaffirmed HOD 2024)

260.976           Mammography Recommendations: SUNSET HOD 2014, see policy 125.966

260.977           Domestic Violence As A Public Health Threat:

MSSNY recognizes domestic violence as a public health threat in the State of New York and supports legislative, regulatory, and other efforts in the State that will lead to protection of domestic violence victims, and abatement of domestic violence.  (HOD 1995-163; Modified and Reaffirmed HOD 2014; Reaffirmed HOD 2024)

260.978           Maternal And Newborn HIV Testing And Care: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.979           Tuberculosis Screening of Immigrants: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.980           Tanning Salons

MSSNY supports a complete ban on tanning salons in the State of New York and will support legislation to accomplish such a ban. (HOD 1995-182; Reaffirmed HOD 2011-151; Amended and Reaffirmed HOD 2021)

260.981           Public Health Law – Obliged Disclosure: 

MSSNY will seek to amend the New York State Civil Practice Law and Rules to mandate disclosure of the name, or names, of a prosecution’s expert witness prior to trial for purposes of deposition. (HOD 1994-85; Reaffirmed HOD 2014; Reaffirmed HOD 2024)

260.982           Vitamin K Prophylaxis in Newborn: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.983           AZT Intervention in Pregnancy: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.984           Respirators for Nosocomial TB Control: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.985           Brand Certification Process, Opposition to: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.986           Chlamydial Infection, Screening for In Routine Care: SUNSET HOD 2014, see policy 15.957

260.987           Right Heart Catheterization: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.988           Prisoners – Medical Care For: 

MSSNY affirms the position that each person arrested and detained, even overnight, has the right to needed medication, medical attention and protection against exposure to contagious disease.  (HOD 1993-71; Modified and reaffirmed HOD 2014; Reaffirmed HOD 2024)

260.989           Folic Acid (Dietary) For the Prevention of Neural Tube Defect: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.990           Case Management for TB, Increased Funding for: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.991           Tuberculosis – Directly Observed Therapy: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.992           Breast Feeding: 

MSSNY supports the following initiatives in regard to breast feeding of infants:

(1)  Educating its members about the process and benefits of breast feeding.

(2)  Encouraging innovative and educational programs for use in medical training about the clinical benefits and process of breast feeding.

(3)  Cooperating with other professional medical groups to encourage breast feeding edu­cation programs at national and regional meetings of pediatricians, obstetricians, and family physicians.

(4)  Encouraging all of its members, regardless of specialty, to offer professional and emotional support for their patients who are breast feeding mothers.

(5)  Continue to support the law that women may not be charged with indecent exposure or lewd behavior as a result of breast feeding in public.  (HOD 1993-27; Modified and reaffirmed HOD 2014; Reaffirmed HOD 2024)

260.993           Food Labeling: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.994           Air Quality Reports: SUNSET HOD 2014

260.995           Blood Glucose Monitoring: SUNSET HOD 2013

260.996           Scoliosis Screening:  SUNSET HOD 2023

260.997           Fluoridation Statewide: 

MSSNY supports a comprehensive program of fluoridation of all public water supplies as a prevention method for dental caries.  (Council 4/23/87; Modified and Reaffirmed HOD 2013; reaffirmed HOD 2023)

260.998           Boxing: SUNSET HOD 2013 (Reaffirmed HOD 2024)

260.999           Fluoridation – Fluoride Rinse Program:

MSSNY endorses the concept of school fluoride programs and encourages New York State schools to participate in fluoride rinse programs in those communities without fluoridation of drinking water.  (HOD 1980-12; Modified and Reaffirmed HOD 2013; reaffirmed HOD 2023)