AMA Resolutions

Whereas, Every year hundreds of millions of syringes are used by the public outside of health care settings; and

Whereas, The syringes are used by people with diabetes who use insulin and other prescribed medications, in the context of home care, and by injection drug users (IDUs); and

Whereas, Fear of injury and of possible transmission of infectious disease (particularly, blood-borne infections such as human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] and viral hepatitis types B and C) cause widespread public concern about improperly disposed syringes and needles; and

Whereas, Needle sticks caused by used syringes improperly disposed of in the community present an occupational hazard for a wide range of workers (including trash handlers, hotel housekeepers, airplane cleaners, etc.); and

Whereas, Many communities have organized local efforts to increase the safe disposal of used syringes, reflecting the level of concern; and

Whereas, Most patients or families using syringes have limited information about how to safely dispose of used syringes and have limited options; and

Whereas, There is considerable interest in professional organizations of pharmacists, diabetes educators, addiction specialists, and prevention specialists to improve these problems; and

Whereas, The laws and regulations governing the disposal of used syringes are often conflicting; and

Whereas, Recommendations that call for used syringes to be placed in bottles or cans and disposed in household trash actually put trash handlers at risk, and ideally should be updated to reflect biohazard approved methods; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That our AMA review the literature and existing policies on the public and occupational health hazards of used syringes and needles outside of healthcare settings and prepare a report with recommendations on how to ensure proper disposal of used needles/syringes outside of healthcare settings.

Strategy 3.1: Provide comprehensive, relevant, responsive policies that serve as a foundation for effective advocacy and representation of patients and physicians

The AMA requests manufacturers of disposable hypodermic needles and syringes to adopt designs to prevent reuse, and to include in the packaging clear directions for their correct disposal. (Sub. Res. 26, A-67; Reaffirmed: CLRPD Rep. C, A-88; Reaffirmed: Sunset Report, I-98)

H-95.954 The Reduction of Medical and Public Health Consequences of Drug Abuse

The AMA… (4) encourages the extensive application of needle and syringe exchange and distribution programs and the modification of restrictive laws and regulations concerning the sale and possession of needles and syringes to maximize the availability of sterile syringes and needles, while ensuring continued reimbursement for medically necessary needles and syringes. The need for such programs and modification of laws and regulations is urgent, considering the contribution of injection drug use to the epidemic of HIV infection;… (CSA Rep. 8, A-97; Reaffirmed: CSA Rep. 12, A-99)

H-95.958 Syringe and Needle Exchange Programs

The AMA: (1) encourages needle exchange programs; (2) will initiate and support legislation revoking the 1988 federal ban on funding for needle exchange programs for injecting drug users; and (3) strongly encourages state medical associations to initiate state legislation modifying drug paraphernalia laws so that injection drug users can purchase and possess needles and syringes without a prescription. (Res. 231, I-94; Reaffirmed Ref. Cmt. D, I-96; Modified by CSA Rep. 8, A-97)