Opposition to Reporting Immigration Status for Persons Accessing Medical Care, 2023
Summary: SGIM opposes Florida Statute 395.3027, which mandates hospitals to inquire about patients' immigration status. SGIM argues that this law undermines public health by discouraging undocumented individuals from seeking necessary care, potentially increasing emergency room visits and healthcare costs. They express concerns about privacy, discrimination, and ethical violations, emphasizing that healthcare providers should not be burdened with enforcing such measures and that hospitals should remain safe spaces for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
SGIM Position Statement in Support of the LGBTQIA+ Community, 2022
Summary: SGIM affirms its support for the LGBTQIA+ community by addressing healthcare disparities faced by sexual and gender minorities. The statement highlights the barriers to care, discrimination, and mental health challenges this population faces. SGIM advocates for standardized data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity, training healthcare professionals in LGBTQIA+ medicine, and supporting inclusive care for transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse patients. They call for policy changes to ensure equitable healthcare and promote partnerships with organizations championing LGBTQIA+ rights.
SGIM Policy Statement on Climate and Health, 2021
Summary: SGIM recognizes climate change as a critical public health issue and emphasizes the need for action. This statement outlines the health risks associated with climate change, particularly for vulnerable populations. SGIM supports efforts to prepare communities for climate-related health effects, integrate climate change education into medical training, and promote research on health impacts. The organization advocates for reducing human contributions to climate change and encourages sustainability in healthcare, calling for decarbonization and resilience initiatives within the medical community.
Reproductive Rights Statement from the Society of General Internal Medicine, 2021
Summary: SGIM opposes restrictions on access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion and contraception, which disproportionately affect women of color and those in rural areas. SGIM is committed to advancing reproductive justice by supporting the education of internists in reproductive health services, advocating for equitable access, and encouraging research on the impact of restrictive reproductive health policies. SGIM’s stance ensures that general internists can offer evidence-based, patient-centered care without legislative interference.
Ensuring Equity Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Society of General Internal Medicine Statement to Members, 2020
Summary: SGIM highlights the severe racial and ethnic disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with marginalized groups, including Black, Hispanic, and Native American populations, experiencing disproportionately higher rates of infection and death. SGIM recommends increased data transparency, equitable access to care, support for healthcare workers, and continued research into social determinants of health. The statement emphasizes the need for healthcare systems to collaborate with vulnerable communities to address inequalities during and beyond the pandemic.
SGIM Statement on Care for Undocumented Immigrants, 2016
Summary: SGIM affirms that healthcare is a human right and advocates for equitable access to medical care for undocumented immigrants, including those with end-stage kidney disease. SGIM opposes barriers to care, calling for public and charitable funding to support undocumented patients, while emphasizing the need to maintain patient confidentiality regarding immigration status. Physicians are encouraged to collectively work with stakeholders to ensure that healthcare resources are distributed fairly, regardless of a patient's legal status.
SGIM Policy Positions Related to Health Care Reform, 2009
Summary: SGIM outlines its policy positions for healthcare reform, focusing on expanding access to affordable, comprehensive, and equitable care. SGIM emphasizes the importance of a strong primary care workforce, advocating for enhanced compensation, improved training, and infrastructure support. The organization supports research funding to improve patient care and the inclusion of comparative effectiveness research. SGIM also calls for reducing industry influence on healthcare research and promoting policies that ensure high-quality, patient-centered, and equitable care across the U.S. healthcare system.
