The American College of Surgeons Stands Against Interference in Doctor/Patient Relationship

The following Statement on Interference in Doctor/Patient Relationship was developed by the American College of Surgeons and approved by the (ACS) Board of Regents at its October 2021 meeting.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has a long history of advocating that government respect the clinical practice of medicine. Patients, along with their physicians, should be the ones to make medical decisions about their own health care. Accordingly, we oppose any laws or regulations that interfere in the confidential relationship between patients and their physicians.

Physicians and surgeons must be able to practice medicine that is informed by their medical education, experience, and scientific evidence without threat of harassment or retaliation. To this end, we also oppose the unprecedented tactic of allowing and encouraging private citizens to take legal action against individuals seeking and physician providing confidential health care.

The American College of Surgeons will continue to speak out against legislative interference with the physician-patient relationship.