AMA Says Clinics And Tobacco Don't Mix

The American Medical Association has adopted its position on retail health clinics this week at their annual policy meeting in Chicago. While the AMA is not against retail clinics per say, they believe that clinics should not be located inside retail establishments which sell tobacco. This makes philosophical sense from a health perspective, but some wonder whether this is an attempt at slowing the rapid growth in number of such clinics. In a statement today, the Convenient Care Association, the retail clinic industry advocate group, says, "We do not understand how forcing retailers to choose between having an in-store clinic and selling tobacco products serves the broader goal of providing consumers with easier access to high-quality, affordable healthcare.” Full story.