The relationship between medicine and society is currently undergoing
substantial change. While the Food and Drug Administration has no legal
authority over the practicing physician, its decisions already influence
medical practice. The Drug Regulation Reform Act of 1978, if passed in its
present form, would grant FDA broad new powers over patient care and
clinical research. In order to retain a high degree of control of its
future and activities, the American Psychiatric Association must develop an
effective mechanism for meeting this challenge and for serving the
interests of its members and their patients. Dr. Alexander M. Schmidt
comments on the author's presentation.Abstract Teaser