Addiction Medicine
The WSMA recommends that medical treatment of psychoactive substance use
disorders should be provided by physicians with training, experience, and
competence in addiction medicine. Recognition of those who practice
addiction medicine should not be limited to any particular one of the 24
specialties recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the
specialties recognized by the American Osteopathic Association. (Res B-4,
A-93) (Reaffirmed A-23)
The WSMA recognizes that addiction medicine specialists are the authority
in the diagnosis and treatment of addictive disorders, and supports
changes in state statutes to reflect this in-patient referral, management,
and compensation. (Res A-2, A-09)
The WSMA supports changes in state and federal laws and regulations to
reduce restrictions placed on office-based physicians which currently
prevent them from providing treatment for opiate addicted patients. (Res
C-7, A-95) (Reaffirmed A-23)
The WSMA encourages its members to take more active roles in providing
drug addiction treatment to afflicted individuals and to work with the
State Department of Health and the Washington Medical Commission as well
as other state and federal agencies to further curtail the ever-increasing
morbidity and mortality associated with the detrimental effects of the
wide variety of addictive drugs (including alcohol) available to our
citizens. (Res B-5, A-04) (Amended A-23)
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Abbreviations for House of Delegates report origination:
EC – Executive Committee; BT – Board of Trustees; CPA – Council on
Professional Affairs; JC – Judicial Council; CHS – Community and Health
Services