Our AMA endorses the following clause guaranteeing physician independence and recommends it for insertion into physician employment agreements and independent contractor agreements for physician services:

Physician’s Right to Engage in Independent Advocacy on Behalf of Patients, the Profession, and the Community

In caring for patients and in all matters related to this Agreement, Physician shall have the unfettered right to exercise his/her independent professional judgment and be guided by his/her personal and professional beliefs as to what is in the best interests of patients, the profession, and the community. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit Physician’s right or ability to advocate on behalf of patients’ interests or on behalf of good patient care, or to exercise his/her own medical judgment. Physician shall not be deemed in breach of this Agreement, nor may Employer retaliate in any way, including but not limited to termination of this Agreement, commencement of any disciplinary action, or any other adverse action against Physician directly or indirectly, based on Physician’s exercise of his/her rights under this paragraph.

Policy Timeline

Res. 8, A-11 Reaffirmed: CEJA Rep. 1, A-21