Additionally, there are concerns about the proposed changes’ impacts on publishers’ ability to maintain meaningful peer review. Diligent peer review, management and public disclosures of conflicts, and data and figure integrity checks are vital parts of the process. Such threats as plagiarism, “paper mills” and fraudulent data are increasingly present and require steady attention. Maintaining this trusted role in society, at a time when disinformation is rampant, requires a significant investment. However, the absence of significant revenue from subscriptions could diminish the incentive for publishers to maintain meaningful peer review. This along with other concerns has the potential to cause significant harm to the viability of the U.S. biomedical research enterprise.
Joining the ACR in raising concerns and calling for AMA involvement through this resolution include: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; American Academy of Neurology; American College of Physicians; American Society of Anesthesiologists; American Society of Hematology; American Society for Radiation Oncology; American Thoracic Society; American Urological Association; Association for Clinical Oncology; and Endocrine Society.
Resolutions are introduced and considered by the ACR based on its positions and policies and the work of ACR committees and the Board of Directors. The ACR’s delegation to the AMA House of Delegates consists of Gary Bryant, MD (Delegate and Delegation Chair), Eileen Moynihan, MD (Delegate), Cristina Arriens, MD (Alternate Delegate), Colin Edgerton, MD (Alternate Delegate), Luke Barre, MD (Young Physician Section representative), Christina Downey, MD (Young Physician Section representative), and Rami Diab, MD (Resident and Fellows Section representative).
The ACR encourages rheumatologists to join or renew membership in the AMA so that this work may continue. Input on the AMA delegation’s work on behalf of the rheumatology community—along with questions or suggestions for this House of Delegates meeting—can be directed to [email protected]. The ACR offers individualized assistance to ACR and ARP members. If you are experiencing specific issues with payers or have other insurance, coding, billing or practice concerns, write to [email protected].
