Position Papers

Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM) Position papers and position statements represent the official policy of SAHM. These papers and statements have been approved by SAHM’s Board of Directors and are published in the Journal of Adolescent Health. Position papers and statements that appear on the SAHM website are available for non-commercial use by the public, and permission is hereby granted to download, reproduce, reprint and distribute these position papers and statements provided that in each instance the SAHM policy is clearly and correctly identified as a Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine document with its full title and, if applicable, the citation to its publication in the Journal of Adolescent Health. SAHM position papers and statements may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed for resale or other commercial purposes with the express permission of SAHM.

(Papers published prior to April 2010 use the Society's name at that time — the Society for Adolescent Medicine (SAM) — but remain reflective of our current position as SAHM.)

Questions about statements, letters of intent, or the submission process should be directed to Paula Braverman, Director of Publications.

View the guidelines for the submission process for papers and statements.

SAHM'S POSITIONS PAPERS AND STATEMENTS

Safety and Violence Prevention

Preventing Firearm Violence in Youth Through Evidence-Informed Strategies - February 2020
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Young Adult Health and Well-Being: A Position Statement of the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine - June 2017
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International Youth Justice Systems - September 2016
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Driver Education for Adolescents – August 2010
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Health Care Delivery

Medication for Adolescents and Young Adults With Opioid Use Disorder - March 2021
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Protecting Youth from the Risks of Electronic Cigarettes – November 2019
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The Healthcare Needs and Rights of Youth Experiencing Homelessness - September 2018
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The Use of Medication by Adolescents and Young Adults - September 2017
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Condom Availability in Schools: A Practical Approach to the Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infection/HIV and Unintended Pregnancy - June 2017
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Improving Knowledge and Access to LARC for Adolescents and Young Adults - April 2017
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Protecting Adolescents: Ensuring Access to Care and Reporting Sexual Activity and Abuse – November 2004
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Access to Health Care for Adolescents – October 2004
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Guidelines for Adolescent Health Research – November 2003
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School-Based Health Clinics – December 2001
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Clinical Preventive Services for Adolescents – September 1997
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Adolescent Inpatient Units – April 1996
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Eating Disoders and Nutrition

Preventing Nutritional Disorders in Adolescents by Encouraging a Healthy Relationship With Food - December 2020
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Addressing Nutritional Disorders in Adolescents - July 2018
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Preventing and Treating Adolescent Obesity – November 2016
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Medical Management of Restrictive Eating Disorders in Adolescents and Young Adults – January 2015
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Refeeding Hypophosphatemia in Hospitalized Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa – June 2014
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Recommended Vitamin D Intake and Management of Low Vitamin D Status in Adolescents – June 2013
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Confidentiality and Ethical Issues Working with Adolescents

Confidential Health Care for Adolescents – August 2004
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Code of Research Ethics  - April 1999
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Sexual & Reproductive Health Care

Crisis Pregnancy Centers in the U.S.: Lack of Adherence to Medical and Ethical Practice Standards
October 2019
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Advocating for Adolescent and Young Adult Male Sexual and Reproductive Health - November 2018
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HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Medication for Adolescents and Young Adults - October 2018
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Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Policies and Programs - September 2017
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Timely Use of Emergency Contraception - January 2016
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Sexual and Reproductive Health Care – April 2014
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The Male Genital Examination – April 2012 (Reaffirmed 2021)
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Expedited Partner Therapy for Adolescents Diagnosed with Chlamydia or Gonorrhea – Sept 2009
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HIV Infection and AIDS in Adolescents – January 2006
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Provision of Emergency Contraception to Adolescents – July 2004
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Vaccination

An updated SAHM vaccination position is currently in development. 

Adolescent Consent for Vaccination - October 2013
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Adolescent Immunization - March 2006
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Influenza - February 2014
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Financing Vaccines - March 2011
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HPV Position Statement - June 2010
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Meningococcal Vaccine - October 2011
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Meningococcal Vaccine - September 2005
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School Entry Vaccine Requirement - March 2008
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Tetanus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine - September 2009
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Disparities Among Adolescents

Promoting Health Equality and Nondiscrimination for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth - June 2020
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Racism and Its Harmful Effects on Nondominant Racial–Ethnic Youth and Youth-Serving Providers: A Call to Action for Organizational Change - August 2018
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Promoting Equity and Reducing Health Disparities Among Racially/Ethnically Diverse Adolescents – June 2013
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Mental Health

Improving Integration of Behavioral Health Into Primary Care for Adolescents and Young Adults - July 2020
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Financing Mental Health Services for Adolescents – Sept 2006
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Transition to Adult Care

Transition to Adulthood for Youth With Chronic Conditions and Special Health Care Needs - May 2020
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