TEXAS MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Resolution 403 (A-06)
Subject: Financing Futile, Ineffective, and Inefficient Health Care
Introduced by: Angelina County Medical Society
Referred to: Reference Committee on Socioeconomics
Whereas, Medicare is under increasing financial pressure; and
Whereas, Socialized health care systems reach a financial crisis because the demand for health care eventually exceeds public willingness or ability to pay for that care; and
Whereas, Elected officials do not possess the knowledge or willingness to separate useful treatments from inefficient, ineffective, or futile treatments; and
Whereas, At some point in the course of disability, it becomes prudent for the state to cease public expenditures that only prolong the life of a terminally ill patient without possibility of improvement; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Texas Medical Association urge the American Medical Association to gather representatives from each specialty society who will help elected representatives eliminate futile, ineffective, or inefficient treatments from public expenditures. This action does not prohibit individuals from private contracting or payment for health care. If an individual chooses health care that is considered futile, ineffective, or inefficient, hospitals shall not be obligated to provide such care free of charge, even if futile care could be considered emergency care.
Relevant TMA Policy
85.011 Palliative Care : The Texas Medical Association (1) urges Texas medical schools to assess the adequacy of their curricular content in preparing medical students and residents to respond to the special needs of patients requiring palliative care with the goals of maintaining the highest quality of life possible during the final stages of life and preparing physicians for clinical and ethical issues related to end-of-life care; and (2) encourages development of continuing medical education courses on the clinical and ethical issues related to end-of-life care, including dissemination of the American Medical Association's "Education for Physicians in End-of-Life Care" curriculum through regional training programs (Amended CME Rep. 2-I-98 and Sub. Res. 201-I-98).
85.014 Physician Responsibility with End-of-Life Care : Physicians should educate themselves on the opportunities and responsibilities provided by state law governing advance directives and medical power of attorney and use all appropriate opportunities to educate their patients on the subject (Amended CHSO Rep. 1-A-05).
TMA House of Delegate: TexMed 2006