The action plan calls for the adoption of a $2.00 per pack increase in the federal excise tax. The evidence shows that such a tax would provide a key deterrent to smoking, both preventing smoking initiation as well as inducing current smokers to quit. In addition, such a tax would provide the needed revenue to support the other key actions recommended in the plan, which include:
- Developing a National Tobacco Quitline network
- Conducting a national media campaign to help Americans quit using tobacco
- Including in federal health benefits evidence-based counseling and medications to reduce tobacco dependence
- Establishing a research agenda to increase utilization of tobacco cessation services
- Educating and training clinicians in smoking cessation interventions
ACPM's resolution was based on recommendations from the Department of Health and Human Services' Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health, released in February 2003. According to ACPM's delegate to the AMA, Michael Parkinson, MD, MPH, "Today's action by the AMA shows that it shares ACPM's deep commitment to reducing the pain and suffering caused by tobacco — the nation's #1 killer."
The resolution can be viewed at http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/upload/mm/annual03/d434a03.rtf.
The American College of Preventive Medicine is the national professional society for physicians committed to disease prevention and health promotion. ACPM's 2,000 members are engaged in preventive medicine practice, teaching and research. ACPM advocates for the specialty of preventive medicine and for national policies that promote health and prevent disease. ACPM maintains an active presence on Capitol Hill and among the many federal agencies and non-governmental organizations that shape national health policy.