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AAPM&R Releases Position Statement on Participation of Transgender Children and Youth in Athletics

Members & Publications

October 26, 2021

AAPM&R continues to be a #PMRAdvocate on a variety of critical issues impacting the specialty and the patients we serve. We just released a new position statement on the participation of transgender children and youth in athletics. Our full statement is listed below:

Participation of Transgender Children and Youth in Athletics

AAPM&R remains steadfast in its commitment to equity, inclusion and respect for human dignity. Given the known extensive benefits of exercise and sports participation, AAPM&R believes that all children and youth, including transgender1 children and youth, should have fair and just opportunities to participate in sports activities. AAPM&R acknowledges that gender identity1 in organized sports is both a highly sensitive and complex matter that necessitates a thoughtful, evidence-informed approach to balance the multiple issues impacting all athletes’ physical and mental health and safety. Competitive advantage, whether by nature of genetics, coaching and/or opportunity is a known phenomenon in sports and therefore should not serve as the primary rationale to restrict transgender children and youth from participating in sports in accordance with their gender identity. To address concerns of fairness and safety stemming from competitive advantage among some transgender athletes, organizing bodies of competitive and recreational sports should establish and enforce criteria that are scientifically sound.

We will continue to be a #PMRAdvocate in efforts to maximize patients’ independence in activities of daily living and improve quality of life. To see our latest advocacy updates, visit our Academy in Action page.

References:
1. Rafferty J; COMMITTEE ON PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH; COMMITTEE ON ADOLESCENCE; SECTION ON LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER HEALTH AND WELLNESS. Ensuring Comprehensive Care and Support for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics. 2018 Oct;142(4):e20182162. doi: 10.1542/peds.2018-2162. Epub 2018 Sep 17. PMID: 30224363

 

 

Legislation Introduced to Alleviate Impact of Conversion Factor Cut for 2021

Nov 09, 2020

Last month, two bills were introduced in the House proposing solutions to the estimated 10.6% Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor cut expected to go into effect January 1, 2021.  The bills offer some relief to the cut, but do not reflect a comprehensive or long-term solution.  AAPM&R has therefore chosen to remain neutral regarding these bills. 

Your Academy continues to advocate for a permanent solution to the conversion factor cut while maintaining the important payment increases to office and outpatient evaluation and management services.

 

 

 

 

 

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