ACP’s Advocacy in the Courts
In addition to advocating with Congress and regulatory agencies about issues important to internal medicine physicians and their patients, ACP also advocates on those issues through the judicial system. When a court case is filed about an issue that impacts internal medicine — whether the day-to-day, professional development, or patients' health — ACP may join an amicus brief, which is a legal brief sent to the court that is hearing the case, to support our policy priorities. That brief will describe to the court the impact that the case could have on internal medicine physicians and/or their patients and what ACP and other stakeholders believe the best outcome would be.
Recent Briefs Filed on Behalf of ACP
Reproductive Health
The American College of Physicians believes in respect for the principle of patient autonomy on matters affecting individual health and advocates for access to comprehensive reproductive health care services. ACP participates in amicus briefs supporting access to evidence-based reproductive health care and opposing political efforts to interfere in the patient–physician relationship.
Disparities and Health Equity
The American College of Physicians is committed to reducing health disparities and promoting health equity and participates in amicus briefs opposing discriminatory laws and practices that negatively impact health outcomes.
Environmental Health and Climate Change
The American College of Physicians believes protecting planetary health and mitigating the impacts of climate change are integral to promoting health and participates in amicus briefs supporting efforts to reduce harmful emissions and foster healthy environments for all.
COVID-19
The American College of Physicians supports efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 and participates in amicus briefs supporting efforts to promote the uptake of recommended vaccinations and combat health-related dis- and misinformation.
Firearms
The American College of Physicians believes that injuries and deaths due to firearms are a public health issue and participates in amicus briefs supporting common-sense policies to help keep patients safe.
LGBTQ+ Health
The American College of Physicians supports access to evidence-based health care for all LGBTQ+ individuals and participates in amicus briefs opposing discriminatory policies and political efforts to interfere in the patient–physician relationship. ACP also participates in amicus briefs supporting access to individualized, evidence-based gender-affirming care.
Public Health
The American College of Physicians believes it is imperative that we as a nation invest in and maintain a strong public health infrastructure in order to prevent illness and promote health. ACP participates in amicus briefs supporting robust public health funding and infrastructure, evidence-based immunization coverage and access, and related issues.
Prescription Drugs
The American College of Physicians supports increasing accessibility and affordability of prescription drugs and participates in amicus briefs supporting efforts to help control the rising cost of prescription drugs.
Affordable Care Act
The American College of Physicians supports the goals of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and participates in amicus briefs defending the ACA and improvements to the law.
Immigration
The American College of Physicians believes that immigration policies and practices should not interfere with access to health care and opposes policies, such as forced family detentions, that negatively impact health. ACP participates in amicus briefs supporting policies that promote the health and well-being of immigrant communities.