Military Medical Conference Bars Media Access for First Time in Over a Decade

The AMSUS Society of Federal Health Professionals has prohibited independent media from attending its annual military medical conference, citing speaker concerns regarding attribution, in an unprecedented move. 

The gathering of thousands of federal health professionals from agencies such as the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs in National Harbor, Maryland, is a forum for the discussion of critical issues in military health care.

Kenneth McClain, a spokesperson for AMSUS, announced that the nonprofit organization revised its media policy in response to "new guidelines affecting sessions and speakers." Nevertheless, he did not provide a definition of "independent media" or an explanation for the current decision. 

At a time when military health care is subject to growing concern, the exclusion is particularly concerning, as numerous service members and their families are encountering difficulties with the implementation of new Tricare contracts. 

Criticism from affected families and health professionals has been prompted by the widespread reporting of issues with referrals, provider payments, and access to care since January 1.

Legal experts, such as Gunita Singh from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, contend that the restriction of media access to a critical event undermines public transparency and accountability. 

The decision to withhold critical information from the public during a period of significant changes in military health care is concerning, despite the fact that AMSUS is not a federal agency and may not be subject to open government laws.

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