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Fall 2007

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  Fall 2007

55 arrested as ADAPT Makes House Call on AMA

Chicago---ADAPT and the American Medical Association (AMA) both experienced "deja-vu" as 55 members of ADAPT were arrested outside AMA headquarters on September 9. ADAPT members demanded to meet with AMA CEO, Michael Maves to discuss  passage of the Community Choice Act of 2007. This Act would amend the Social Security Act to provide people with disabilities and elders equal access to community/ attendant services not just  nursing home / institutional placement.

Fifteen years ago in Chicago ADAPT pressed the AMA to endorse a similar bill. instead of forcing people into nursing homes and other institutions.

"It's a sad commentary that we're back on the AMA's doorstep about the same issue," said Rahnee Patrick, Chicago ADAPT Organizer. "It's an even sadder commentary that after 15 years the AMA still has the same arrogant, paternalistic attitude about people with disabilities. And that they're so afraid of us they'd rather see us arrested than sit at the table and work together with us."

There are 2 million disabled people in state and private institutions. They are unnecessarily confined, separated from families and segregated, often under unspeakable conditions. Under federal law, funding for institutional care is mandatory. Funding to allow the disabled to live in their homes and communities is optional.

The powerful nursing home lobby is blocking the passage of the Community Choice Act (CCA). Patrick said, ‘The CEOs of nursing homes are lining their pockets. We want the money to go to the people with disabilities and our workers."

ADAPT also confronted HUD officials over a severe shortage of housing vouchers due to budget cuts and mismanagement. The shortage prevents disabled people from moving from nursing homes to the community.

            From Sept 9-11 ADAPT activists marched and wheeled through the streets of Chicago. They chanted “Our homes, not nursing homes.” They banged on the windows of the AMA and chanted, “We’re ADAPT, you’re trapped. Get used to it!”

            They surrounded the State of Illinois building and gained an audience with aides to Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The governor pledged to keep closed the Lincoln Developmental Center, a state nursing home with a history of problems. He also pledged to appoint disabled people as advisors to the disbursement of $55 million in federal grants under the Money Follows the Person provision of Medicaid.

            Protestors were not as victorious at the offices of AFSCME District 31, the public service workers union. Like the AMA, AFSCME had them arrested. AFSCME represents many workers in state institutions and has called for reopening Lincoln. They have not yet taken a position on CCA.

ADAPT has four demands for the AMA:

* Endorse the Community Choice Act (S. 799, H.R. 1621).

* Work with ADAPT to develop an action plan that assures that people with

disabilities and seniors get REAL CHOICE in long-term care services/supports so they are able to live in the legally required "most Integrated setting." And provide AMA membership with continuing medical education programs about community-based alternatives to institutionalization;

* Develop an AMA ethics policy requiring doctors to disclose any financial interest they have in a nursing facility when they are discussing  long-term care with their patients. And prohibit MD’s from referring any patient to a nursing home in which he or she has a financial interest;

* Require that AMA Board of Trustees and leadership divest themselves of all financial interests in nursing facilities, etc.

"With the swipe of a pen, a doctor can take away your freedom by sending you to a nursing home when you're discharged from a hospital rather than exploring options in the community," said Diane Coleman, ADAPT Organizer from Chicago.  "I can only wonder if a number of those referrals come because many doctors have ownership interest in nursing homes."

Added Patrick, "If the AMA thinks that today is the end of our fight, they are sadly mistaken.. Doctors make a very good living on the backs of people with disabilities, and we will not let them continue to push us around and put us in institutions."

http://www.adapt.org