[PASSED] International Drug Education

[Mousebumples]

This proposal is currently up for a vote! Many thanks to the excellent delegates who approved the proposal to allow it to acheive quorum!

---

Hey, everyone! This is very rough, but I wanted to get some double-checks on what would or would not be legal given WA precedent already in place.

Previous relevant proposals for your perusal: Access to Life-Saving Drugs and Food and Drug Standards and Universal Clinical Trials Act.

The goal of this proposal is as follows:
(1) Build upon the drug standards already established and allow for further research to determine if said medications are effective and safe with long term use, and if said properties are the same when used by different species

(2) Expand upon the list of diseases states that would be eligible for WA funding, beyond what is proscribed in Access to Life Saving Drugs. (which, as I understand it, is aimed mostly a viral/bacterial infections and/or those that most frequently affect poor nations) I'm not trying to expand by adding certain other diseases, but rather expand by allowing any and all disease states to be eligible for funding.

Proposed text follows ....
Version VII: Insertions, deletions, (comments)

Council: General Assembly
Category: Education and Creativity
Area of Effect: Education

UNDERSTANDING that safety and efficacy are important standards with regards to drug therapy.

ACKNOWLEDGING that a drug may cause varying benefits and side effects in different species.

DESIRING to more fully understand the inherent benefits and harms with regards to taking drugs.

CREATES the International Drug Education Agency (IDEA) as a sub-committee of the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency (WAFADRA).

SPECIFIES that IDEA will collect drug-related research data, regarding medical and recreational drug use.

STIPULATES that drug information regarding drug procurement and/or creation will not be gathered by IDEA, unless granted by the holder of the intellectual property rights for said information.

ALLOWS for IDEA professionals to issue non-binding recommendations regarding suggested changes to currently established medication therapy standards.

ESTABLISHES the Database Of Clinical Treatments Under Study (DOCTUS) as a drug education branch of the Universal Library Coalition (ULC);
1. IDEA will archive all research data within DOCTUS;
(a) Data from completed but unpublished studies will be included in the archive.
(b) No identifying patient information will be included in the archive.
2. Said data will be made available to, at minimum, all medical professionals within WA nations; individual nations may provide this information to others within their own borders as they deem appropriate.
3. All research data within DOCTUS will be accompanied by a link to the relevant journal article(s), if the research has been published;
(a) IDEA will provide appropriate monetary reimbursement to journals that are not currently archived in the ULC so that their research can be accessed through DOCTUS by credentialed individuals.
(b) If a journal and/or individual article is not available through DOCTUS or the ULC, appropriate citations will be listed.
4. Non-WA nations may apply for access to DOCTUS; a nominal fee may charged by the IDEA for access.

DETAILS that IDEA medical professionals will publish quarterly IDEA newsletters;
1. The newsletters will be written by health care professionals and will detail the most significant discoveries in drug therapy, such as new indications for an already discovered drug, new concerns regarding side effects for an established drug, new recommendations for use in certain populations, etc.
(a) Recommendations will be non-binding. Any recommendations issued by IDEA professionals regarding changes to currently established medication therapy standards will be non-binding.
(b) Scientists will be encouraged to pursue further research regarding published information to ensure that the most effective and appropriate recommendations are in place.
2. The IDEA Quarterly will be provided to all interested nations free of charge and will be archived within DOCTUS with the appropriate reference citations.

RECOMMENDS that Health Research & Development Division of the WHA accept applications for funding from WA member nations for further research regarding already discovered medication therapies to better understand their safety and efficacy with long-term use;
1. Applications for funding must include details of how the study would be conducted and what drug(s) would be studied.
2. Funded studies must receive the informed consent of all participants in the study.
3. Studies are strongly encouraged to have a control group of some nature.

Version VI: Insertions, deletions, (comments)

Council: General Assembly
Category: Education and Creativity
Area of Effect: Education

UNDERSTANDING that safety and efficacy are important standards with regards to drug therapy.

ACKNOWLEDGING that a single drug may cause varying benefits and/or side effects in different species.

DESIRING to more fully understand the potential inherent benefits and harms with regards to using taking drugs.

CREATES the International Drug Education Agency (IDEA) as a sub-committee of the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency (WAFADRA).

SPECIFIES that IDEA will collect all drug-related research data, including regarding both medicaltion therapy and recreational drug use research, to allow for a better understanding of the risks and benefits of all drugs. (The last clause was repetitious since it echoed the same sentiment expressed in the first statement of the proposal.)

STIPULATES that drug information regarding the method and/or recipe for production and/or drug procurement and/or creation will not be gathered by IDEA, unless authorized granted by whomever the holdser of the intellectual property rights for said information. (Is this any better, in terms of clarity/protecting intellectual property rights?)

ALLOWS for IDEA professionals to issue non-binding recommendations regarding suggested changes to currently established medication therapy standards.

ESTABLISHES the Database Of Clinical Treatments Under Study (DOCTUS) as a drug education branch of the Universal Library Coalition (ULC);
1. IDEA will archive all research data within DOCTUS, including research data from studies and trials that have not been published, for whatever reason.
(a) Data from completed but unpublished studies will be included in the archive.
(b) No identifying patient information will be included in the archive. (SP had requested a clause regarding patient/medical privacy. Does this suffice?)
2. Said data will be made available to, at minimum, all medical professionals within WA nations; individual nations may provide this information to others within their own borders as they deem appropriate.
3. All research data within DOCTUS will be accompanied by a link to the relevant journal article(s), if the research has been published;
(a) IDEA will provide appropriate monetary reimbursement to journals that are not currently archived in the ULC so that their research can be accessed through DOCTUS by credentialed individuals.
(b) If a journal and/or individual article is not available through DOCTUS or the ULC, appropriate citations will be listed so that the information in question can be accessed through alternate avenues. (This clause seemed extraneous and merely explanatory. I could explain to anyone who questioned the purpose of the clause, so its inclusion within the proposal is unnecessary.)
4. Non-WA nations may apply for access to DOCTUS; a nominal fee may charged by the IDEA for access, as determined on a case-by-case basis.

DETAILS that IDEA medical professionals will publish quarterly IDEA newsletters;
1. The newsletters will be written by health care professionals and will detail the most significant discoveries in drug therapy, such as new indications for an already discovered drug, new concerns regarding side effects for an established drug, new recommendations for use in certain populations, etc.
(a) Recommendations will be non-binding.
(b) Scientists will be encouraged to continue pursue further research regarding this published information to ensure that the most effective and appropriate recommendations are in place.
2. The IDEA Quarterly will be provided to all interested nations free of charge and will be archived within DOCTUS with the appropriate reference citations.

RECOMMENDS that Health Research & Development Division of the WHA accept applications for funding from WA member nations for further research regarding already discovered medication therapies to better understand their safety and efficacy with long-term use;
1. Applications for funding must include details of how the study would be conducted and what drug(s) would be studied.
2. Funded studies must receive the informed consent of all participants in the study.
3. Studies are strongly encouraged to have a control group of some nature.

Character count: 3,279

Version V: Insertions, deletions, (comments)

Council: General Assembly
Category: Education and Creativity
Area of Effect: Education

UNDERSTANDING that safety and efficacy are important standards with regards to drug therapy.

ACKNOWLEDGING that a single drug may cause different benefits and/or side effects in each of the many different species that are native to WA member nations.

DESIRING to more fully understand the potential benefits and harms with regards to using drugs among different species.

CREATES the International Drug Education Agency (IDEA) as a sub-committee of the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency (WAFADRA).

SPECIFIES that IDEA will collect all drug-related data, including both medication therapy and recreational drug use research to allow for a better understanding of the risks and benefits all drugs;

STIPULATES that drug information regarding the method and/or recipe for production and/or creation will not be gathered by IDEA, unless authorized by whomever holds the intellectual property rights for said information. (the intellectual privacy clause)

ALLOWS for IDEA professionals to issue non-binding recommendations regarding suggested changes to currently established medication therapy standards.

ESTABLISHES the Database Of Clinical Treatments Under Study (DOCTUS) as a drug education branch of the Universal Library Coalition (ULC);
1. IDEA will archive all research data within DOCTUS, including research data from studies and trials that have not been published, for whatever reason;
2. Said data will be made available to, at minimum, all medical professionals within WA nations; individual nations may provide this information to others within their own borders as they deem appropriate;
3. All research data within DOCTUS will be accompanied by a link to the relevant journal article, if the research has been published.
(a) IDEA will provide appropriate monetary reimbursement to journals that are not currently archived in the ULC so that their research can be accessed through DOCTUS by credentialed individuals.
(b) If a journal and/or individual article is not available through DOCTUS or the ULC, appropriate citations will be listed so that the information in question can be accessed through alternate avenues.
4. Non-WA nations may apply for access to DOCTUS; a nominal fee may charged by the IDEA for access, as determined on a case-by-case basis

DETAILS that IDEA medical professionals will publish quarterly IDEA newsletters;
1. The newsletters will be written by health care professionals and will detail the most significant discoveries in drug therapy, such as new indications for an already discovered drug, new concerns regarding side effects for an established drug, new recommendations for use in certain populations, etc.
(a) Recommendations will be non-binding.
(b) Scientists will be encouraged to continue research regarding this published information to ensure that the most effective and appropriate recommendations are in place.
2. The IDEA Quarterly will be provided to all interested nations free of charge and will be archived within DOCTUS with the appropriate reference citations.

RECOMMENDS that Health Research & Development Division of the WHA accept applications for funding from WA member nations for further research regarding already discovered medication therapies to better understand their safety and efficacy with long-term use;
1. Applications for funding must include details of how the study would be conducted and what drug(s) would be studied.
2. Funded studies must receive the informed consent of all participants in the study.
3. Studies are strongly encouraged to have a control group of some nature.

Character count: 3,470

Version IV: Insertions, deletions, (comments)

Council: General Assembly
Category: Education and Creativity
Area of Effect: Education

UNDERSTANDING that safety and efficacy are important standards with regards to drug therapy.

ACKNOWLEDGING that a single drug may cause different benefits and/or side effects in each of the many species that are native to WA member nations.

DESIRING to more fully understand the potential benefits and harms with regards to using drugs among different species.

CREATES the International Drug Education Agency (IDEA) as a sub-committee of the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency (WAFADRA).

SPECIFIES that IDEA employeeswill collect all drug-related datarelated to drug therapy conducted within NS nations;, 1. This research willincludinge data collected with regards to both medication therapy and recreational drug use research to allow for a better understanding of the risks and benefits all sorts of drugs;
2. Publishers of said research will receive appropriate monetary reimbursement, as determined by IDEA, in exchange for allowing wider access to this research;
3. Said research data will be made available to, at minimum, all medical professionals within WA nations; individual nations may provide this information to others within their own borders as they deem appropriate;
4. Non-WA nations may apply for access to this information; depending on the relative strength/weakness of the aforementioned nation's economy, a nominal fee may charged by the IDEA for access, as determined on a case-by-case basis; (Some of this is duplicated elsewhere in the proposal, and the rest of it fits better elsewhere, so I've moved those clauses.)

ALLOWS for IDEA professionals to issue non-binding recommendations regarding suggested changes to currently established medication therapy standards. (moved from below)

ESTABLISHES the Database Of Clinical Treatments Under Study (DOCTUS) as a drug information and education library within the framework branch of the Universal Library Coalition (ULC);
1. IDEA will archive all research data within DOCTUS, including research data from studies and trials that have not been published, for whatever reason;
2. Said data will be made available to, at minimum, all medical professionals within WA nations; individual nations may provide this information to others within their own borders as they deem appropriate; (moved from above)
3. All research data within DOCTUS will be accompanied by a link to the relevant journal article, if the research has been published.
(a) IDEA will endeavor to offer provide appropriate monetary reimbursement to journals that are not currently archived in the ULC so that their research can be accessed through DOCTUS by credentialed individuals.
(b) If a journal and/or individual article is not available through DOCTUS or the ULC, appropriate citations will be listed so that the information in question can be accessed through alternate avenues.
4. Non-WA nations may apply for access to DOCTUS; a nominal fee may charged by the IDEA for access, as determined on a case-by-case basis (moved from above with a few edits)

DETAILS that IDEA medical professionals will review all published research on medication therapy and issue publish quarterly IDEA newsletters;
1. The newsletters will be written by health care professionals and will detail the most significant discoveries in drug therapy, such as new indications for an already discovered drug, new concerns regarding side effects for an established drug, new recommendations for use in certain populations, etc.
2. IDEA professionals may include non-binding recommendations regarding suggested changes to currently established medication therapy standards;
3. The IDEA Quarterly will be provided to all interested nations free of charge and will be archived within DOCTUS with the appropriate reference citations.

RECOMMENDS that Health Research & Development Division of the WHA accept applications for funding from WA member nations for further research regarding already discovered medication therapies to better understand their safety and efficacy with long-term use;
1. Applications for funding must include details of how the study would be conducted and what drug(s) would be studied.
2. Funded studies must employ receive the informed consent of all participants in the study.
3. Studies must are strongly encouraged to have a control group of some nature. (Changed back to my personal preference as I figure the "exceptions" from UCTA allows this - but it may change back, pending approval from the mods.)

Version III: Insertions, deletions, (comments)

Council: General Assembly
Category: Education and Creativity
Area of Effect: Education

UNDERSTANDING that safety and efficacy are important standards with regards to drug therapy;

ACKNOWLEDGING that a single drug may cause different benefits and/or side effects in each of the many species that are native to WA member nations;

DESIRING to more fully understand the potential benefits and harms with regards to using drugs among different species;

CREATES the International Drug Education Agency (IDEA) as a sub-committee of the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency (WAFADRA);

SPECIFIES that IDEA employees will collect all data related to drug therapy conducted within NS nations;
1. This research will include data collected with regards to medication therapy and recreational drug use to allow for a better understanding of the risks and benefits all sorts of drugs;
2. Publishers of said research will receive appropriate monetary reimbursement, as determined by IDEA, in exchange for allowing wider access to this research;
3. Said research data will be made available to, at minimum, all medical professionals within WA nations; individual nations may provide this information to others within their own borders as they deem appropriate;
4. Non-WA nations may apply for access to this information; depending on the relative strength/weakness of the aforementioned nation's economy, a nominal fee may charged by the IDEA for access, as determined on a case-by-case basis;

ESTABLISHES the Database Of Clinical Treatments Under Study (DOCTUS) as a drug information and education library within the framework of the Universal Library Coalition (ULC);
1. IDEA will archive all research data within DOCTUS, including research data from studies and trials that have not been published, for whatever reason;
2. All research data within DOCTUS will be accompanied by a link to the relevant journal article, if the research has been published;
(a) IDEA will endeavor to offer appropriate monetary reimbursement to journals that are not currently archived in the ULC so that their research can be accessed through DOCTUS by credentialed individuals.
(b) If a journal and/or individual article is not available through DOCTUS or the ULC, appropriate citations will be listed so that the information in question can be accessed through alternate avenues.

DETAILS that IDEA medical professionals will review all published research on medication therapy and issue quarterly IDEA newsletters;
1. The newsletters will be written by health care professionals and will detail the most significant discoveries in drug therapy,; these may include things such as new indications for an already discovered drug, new concerns regarding side effects for an already established drug, new recommendations for use in certain populations, etc.;
2. IDEA professionals may include non-binding recommendations within this newsletter regarding suggested changes to currently established medication therapy standards;
3. The IDEA Quarterly will be provided to all interested nations free of charge and will be archived within DOCTUS with the appropriate reference citations;

RECOMMENDS that Health Research & Development Division of the WHA accept applications for funding from WA member nations for further research regarding already discovered medication therapies to better understand their safety and efficacy with long-term use;
1. Applications for funding must include details of how the study would be conducted and what drug(s) would be studied;
2. Funded studies must employ informed consent of all participants in the study;
(a) Informed consent is defined as providing complete information with regards to the risks and benefits of participating in the study.
(b) If an individual enrolled in a study does not have the mental capacity to provide informed consent, the legal guardian's informed consent is required.
3. Studies are strongly encouraged, but not required, to have a placebo-controlled group or must have a similar control group of some nature; (Changed to be in compliance with GA#82)

Version II: Insertions, deletions, (comments)

UNDERSTANDING that safety and efficacy are important standards with regards to drug therapy;

ACKNOWLEDGING that a single drug may cause different benefits and/or side effects in each of the many species that are native to WA member nations;

DESIRING to more fully understand the potential benefits and harms with regards to using drugs among different species;

CREATES the International Drug Education Agency (IDEA) as a sub-committee of the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency (WAFADRA);

SPECIFIES that IDEA employees will collect all data related to drug therapy conducted within NS nations;
1. This research will include data collected with regards to medication therapy and recreational drug use to allow for a better understanding of the risks and benefits all sorts of drugs;
2. Publishers of said research will receive appropriate monetary reimbursement, as determined by IDEA, in exchange for allowing wider access to this research;
3. Said research will be made available to, at minimum, all medical professionals within WA nations; individual nations may provide this information to others within their own borders as they deem appropriate; (I think the medical professionals are the most important ones that *must* have access to this sort of information; however, I know that some nations believe in entrusting their citizenry with the information to allow them to make their own decisions re: their health care.)
4. Non-WA nations would be able to may apply for access to this information for a nominal fee, set by the IDEA.; depending on the relative strength/weakness of the aforementioned nation's economy, a nominal fee may charged by the IDEA for access, as determined on a case-by-case basis;

DETAILS that IDEA medical professionals will review all published research on medication therapy and make non-binding recommendations issue quarterly IDEA newsletters;
1. The newsletters will be written by health care professionals and will detail the most significant discoveries in drug therapy; these may include things such as new indications for an already discovered drug, new concerns regarding side effects for an already established drug, new recommendations for use in certain populations, etc.;
2. IDEA professionals may include non-binding recommendations within this newsletter regarding suggested changes to currently established medication therapy standards;
3. The IDEA Quarterly will be provided to all interested nations free of charge; (Not that I don't believe that all nations should have access to this information, but as funding is provided for this proposal by the WA General Fund, I think that this is a better approach to make the information accessible to all nations who are interested.)

RECOMMENDS that Health Research & Development Division of the WHA accept applications for funding from WA member nations for further research regarding already discovered medication therapies to better understand their safety and efficacy with long-term use;
1. Applications for funding must include details of how the study would be conducted and what drug(s) would be studied;
2. Funded studies must employ informed consent of all participants in the study;
(a) Informed consent is defined as providing complete information with regards to the risks and benefits of participating in the study.
(b) If an individual enrolled in a study does not have the mental capacity to provide informed consent, the legal guardian's informed consent is required.
3. Studies are strongly encouraged, but not required, to have a placebo-controlled group or a similar control group; (And this would be the part where I tried to sneak in issues re: patient's rights, especially patients in studies. I'd be more than happy to move this into it's own proposal thread, if people think that would be more appropriate.)

UNDERSTANDING that safety and efficacy are important standards with regards to medication therapy;

ACKNOWLEDGING that a single medication may cause different benefits and/or side effects in each of the many species that are native to WA member nations;

DESIRING to more fully understand the potential benefits and harms with regards to using medications among different species;

CREATES the International Drug Education Agency (IDEA) as a sub-committee of the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency (WAFADRA);

SPECIFIES that IDEA employees will collect all published research on medication therapy conducted within NS nations;
(1) Said research will be made available to, at minimum, all medical professionals within WA nations.
(2) Non-WA nations would be able to access this information for a nominal fee, set by the IDEA.

DETAILS that IDEA medical professionals will review all published research on medication therapy and make non-binding recommendations;

RECOMMENDS that Health Research & Development Division of the WHA accept applications for funding from WA member nations for further research regarding already discovered medication therapies to better understand their safety and efficacy with long-term use.

[Quintessence of Dust]

OOC: before I debate this in-character, I want to be sure I have my head screwed on straight. Is (1) honestly meant to suggest that all journal articles on drugs will be made freely available in WA nations, even though almost all journals require institutional or individual subscriptions?

[Mousebumples]

OOC: before I debate this in-character, I want to be sure I have my head screwed on straight. Is (1) honestly meant to suggest that all journal articles on drugs will be made freely available in WA nations, even though almost all journals require institutional or individual subscriptions?

I was more looking at the hard data versus the articles. Which ... isn't particularly clear, on second read-through. The idea was to collate these data points into a sort of meta-analysis to reach larger conclusions that may not be possible within the scope of smaller studies, or even individual studies.

I'd be happy to put in a clause re: monetary payment from IDEA to said journals, but I was more focused (initially) on the spreading of information/data versus the conclusions reached. (OOC: there are also some studies that aren't published, or for which final publication is delayed as long as possible, due to the fact that the results of said studies are not what the drug manufacturer was hoping for - which, again, waiting for a journal article to be published isn't so much the point.)

Lesson to all would-be proposal writers: alcohol + ideas ≠ quality first drafts

[Bears Armed]

Lesson to all would-be proposal writers: alcohol + ideas ≠ quality first drafts

Well, I seem to recall "too much rice wine" being mentioned in the context of 'Repeal Common Sense Act II's genesis, by that resolution's author, back in NSUN days... and IIRC then the first draft of that proposal wasn't much different from the version that got passed which certainly did have 'quality'...

[Charlotte Ryberg]

OOC: IDEA = FRANK? (UK Drugs campaign)

IC: Honoured ambassador to Mousebumples, this sounds a good idea, but wouldn't it be a good idea, in my opinion to have member states raise awareness of the actual effects of recreational drugs. It does not mean they have to ban them.

Yours etc,

[Mousebumples]

Lesson to all would-be proposal writers: alcohol + ideas ≠ quality first drafts

Well, I seem to recall "too much rice wine" being mentioned in the context of 'Repeal Common Sense Act II's genesis, by that resolution's author, back in NSUN days... and IIRC then the first draft of that proposal wasn't much different from the version that got passed which certainly did have 'quality'...

OOC: Well, for me, it was a matter of a crappy day at work, and the need for something alcoholic to take the edge off once I got home. That's not my usual practice after a shift, by any means, but Friday was just filled with stupid/ignorant people. I won't bore you with the stories, but it was more than a little frustrating for me. But, somehow, it doesn't surprise me that alcohol has played a notable role in past resolution authorship.

OOC: IDEA = FRANK? (UK Drugs campaign)

OOC: I am unaware of FRANK as I am employed within the currently less-than-glorious US healthcare system. I just liked the idea of spelling something out. I'm open to alternative suggestions, of course.

Honoured ambassador to Mousebumples, this sounds a good idea, but wouldn't it be a good idea, in my opinion to have member states raise awareness of the actual effects of recreational drugs. It does not mean they have to ban them.

I fully support this concept that nations can have a better understanding of risks and benefits of medications. Some recreational drugs may have a therapeutic benefit for some individuals. Other drugs, with specified medicinal uses, may result in a minimal health gain given how much they are used recreationally. While recreational drugs are legal within the borders of Mousebumples, we would not presume to make that decision (or the decision of what drugs should be classified as "recreational drugs") for other nations, but would rather present them with the information necessary to make the best decision possible for their people.

[Charlotte Ryberg]

I fully support this concept that nations can have a better understanding of risks and benefits of medications. Some recreational drugs may have a therapeutic benefit for some individuals. Other drugs, with specified medicinal uses, may result in a minimal health gain given how much they are used recreationally. While recreational drugs are legal within the borders of Mousebumples, we would not presume to make that decision (or the decision of what drugs should be classified as "recreational drugs") for other nations, but would rather present them with the information necessary to make the best decision possible for their people.

But I suppose all member states should be required to make the information available to the public like our FRANK campaign (Charlotte Ryberg): that is what we would like to see.

(2) Non-WA nations would be able to access this information for a nominal fee, set by the IDEA.

I'm a bit concerned that this clause may imply WA regulation on non-member states, that is in regards to the fee.
Yours etc,

[Quintessence of Dust]

OOC: I think it's worth pointing out that what CR is talking about - FRANK - has less than 0% to do with what Mousebumples is talking about. FRANK is a government run information service that nominally provides advice and counselling about recreational drug use; IDEA appears to be geared to medicinal drug use. Conflating the two, in this respect, makes no sense whatsoever.

I was more looking at the hard data versus the articles. Which ... isn't particularly clear, on second read-through. The idea was to collate these data points into a sort of meta-analysis to reach larger conclusions that may not be possible within the scope of smaller studies, or even individual studies.

I'd be happy to put in a clause re: monetary payment from IDEA to said journals, but I was more focused (initially) on the spreading of information/data versus the conclusions reached. (OOC: there are also some studies that aren't published, or for which final publication is delayed as long as possible, due to the fact that the results of said studies are not what the drug manufacturer was hoping for - which, again, waiting for a journal article to be published isn't so much the point.)

Sounds like you know your stuff - the last point is certainly important. But in terms of the 'hard data', this is a tricky proposition. Many published articles do essentially consist of a data set, with relatively little analysis: 'A Study of x in Populations y with Factors z'.

But perhaps at this stage I should stop debating OOC and have my ambassador say something.

[New Buckner]

I fully support this concept that nations can have a better understanding of risks and benefits of medications. Some recreational drugs may have a therapeutic benefit for some individuals. Other drugs, with specified medicinal uses, may result in a minimal health gain given how much they are used recreationally. While recreational drugs are legal within the borders of Mousebumples, we would not presume to make that decision (or the decision of what drugs should be classified as "recreational drugs") for other nations, but would rather present them with the information necessary to make the best decision possible for their people.

But I suppose all member states should be required to make the information available to the public like our FRANK campaign (Charlotte Ryberg): that is what we would like to see.

(2) Non-WA nations would be able to access this information for a nominal fee, set by the IDEA.

I'm a bit concerned that this clause may imply WA regulation on non-member states, that is in regards to the fee.
Yours etc,

A simple fix to this would be to add either an exemption to the bill for non-WA members solely for allowing the access to the information. Or just add that the data share is the only application of the bill to non WA member states. I certainly wouldn't charge them for it though, that could be viewed by some as extending the arm of rule of the WA over those nations.

HOWEVER - by sharing this information with them for free, what better way to show to the rest of the world the good that the WA can provide to them?

[The Walden Estates]

You don't need an agency... just tell all those young fledgelings to go to http://www.erowid.org/.

[Charlotte Ryberg]

I fully support this concept that nations can have a better understanding of risks and benefits of medications. Some recreational drugs may have a therapeutic benefit for some individuals. Other drugs, with specified medicinal uses, may result in a minimal health gain given how much they are used recreationally. While recreational drugs are legal within the borders of Mousebumples, we would not presume to make that decision (or the decision of what drugs should be classified as "recreational drugs") for other nations, but would rather present them with the information necessary to make the best decision possible for their people.

But I suppose all member states should be required to make the information available to the public like our FRANK campaign (Charlotte Ryberg): that is what we would like to see.

(2) Non-WA nations would be able to access this information for a nominal fee, set by the IDEA.

I'm a bit concerned that this clause may imply WA regulation on non-member states, that is in regards to the fee.
Yours etc,

A simple fix to this would be to add either an exemption to the bill for non-WA members solely for allowing the access to the information. Or just add that the data share is the only application of the bill to non WA member states. I certainly wouldn't charge them for it though, that could be viewed by some as extending the arm of rule of the WA over those nations.

HOWEVER - by sharing this information with them for free, what better way to show to the rest of the world the good that the WA can provide to them?

That would be a good idea, honoured ambassador.

[Serrland]

SPECIFIES that IDEA employees will collect all published research on medication therapy conducted within NS nations;
(1) Said research will be made available to, at minimum, all medical professionals within WA nations.
(2) Non-WA nations would be able to access this information for a nominal fee, set by the IDEA.

The delegation from Serrland would look favorably upon compiling the aforementioned research in a publicly accessible database.

[New Buckner]

Thank you for your agreement Honored Ambassador from Charlotte Ryberg. I must continue my disagreement with having non WA members pay for something that would benefit all of humanity and increase the survival of our species. The ability to effectively administer the limited drugs and vaccines that some nations are very limited in, would serve nothing but as a productive measure towards helping our less fortunate neighbors in improving their quality of life. While the goal of the WA is obviously to improve the life of those who are members of this esteemed group, should it not also be setting the example and leading the world to a brighter future? To hold onto life saving, quality of life information such as this - or even to CHARGE for something that would have such a positive influence on health around the world, it is simply irresponsible for this body to do as such.

I thereby recomend the following wordage to correct that portion of the bill

SPECIFIES that IDEA employees, with the oversight of the WAFADRA, will collect, manage, and create an easily searchable database of all experiment results and research.
(1) The IDID (International Drug Information Database) will be available to all medical professionals within the World Assembly.
(2) The IDID will be made available to any Nation that is not currently a member of the World Assembly. If a Nation desires access to this database, the WAFADRA will only deny the request for access if there is evidence that a mis-use of the information may result by release of the information to the Nation.
(3) The cost for maintaining and creation of the IDID will be computed by .005% of the GDP of each current Nation in the World Assembly.

We have given a name to this database, and to hopefully remove any concerns of mis-use of the database's uses by those who are not obligated to answer to the WA for mis-use of the information, that they must be approved by the WAFADRA before access is given. This might not be strong enough wording, but we would be willing to concede the removal of this clause, and simply allow access to all those who petition for it, if this is deemed necessary to the creation and passage of this bill.

By dividing up the cost of this equally amongst all current Members, this truly shows the rest of the world the good nature of the WA on the rest of the world. The quick math, assuming each nation has only 1,000,000 in their GDP, that comes out to 5,000 (these estimates based off of dollars at a 1-1 rate, however, conversion of currency will obviously occur) each. With the WA currently having 11,312 Nations, that comes out to a total of 56,560,000. This should provide plenty for the creation, as well as help towards funding the research related to it. Obviously most of the nations will have an even larger GDP, so again, we would be willing to concede to requiring a flat 5,000 commitment from each nation in the WA. It goes without saying as in all things that should a Nation desire to donate more, that will of course be accepted.

I speak for not only myself, but the Nation of New Buckner in citing how important we feel the creation of the IDID will benefit not only the World Assembly, but that of the entire world.

I thank this glorious assembly for their time, and look forward to the continued debate in hopes we can find a resolution to our differences and ensure this bill goes forward.

[Mousebumples]

Just a quick note that after having internet issues for much of the weekend (I couldn't get the forums to load at all yesterday evening ), I have read the aforementioned comments. I don't have the mental capacity right now to make edits, but I will hopefully have time for that sometime tomorrow. (post-Super Bowl party ... I'm learning from my mistakes in the first draft )

I'll do replies to everyone along with the rewrite. Thank you to all who contributed opinions.

[Flibbleites]

Just a quick note that after having internet issues for much of the weekend (I couldn't get the forums to load at all yesterday evening ),

Neither could any one else.
http://www.nationstates.net/page=news/2 ... imebymoose

[Frattica]

Hey, everyone! This is very rough, but I wanted to get some double-checks on what would or would not be legal given WA precedent already in place.

Previous relevant proposals for your perusal: Access to Life-Saving Drugs and [url=http://www.nationstates.net/page=WA_past_resolutions/start=69]

I'm very flexible on wording (and what exactly is included), but I basically wanted to:
(1) Build upon the drug standards already established and allow for further research to determine if said medications are effective and safe with long term use, and if said properties are the same when used by different species EREGARDING WHICH DRUGS?

(2) Expand upon the list of diseases (the PRF agrees on this point on the basis that it is a physical - not mental - disease; i.e, tumor, not Attention Deficit Disorders) states that would be eligible for WA funding, beyond what is proscribed in Access to Life Saving Drugs. (which, as I understand it, is aimed mostly a viral/bacterial infections and/or those that most frequently affect poor nations) I'm not trying to expand by adding certain other diseases, but rather expand by allowing any and all disease states to apply for funding.

I'm also totally open to the idea of separating these into two separate proposals, so ... yes. Suggestions? Proposed text follows ....

UNDERSTANDING that safety and efficacy are important standards with regards to medication therapy;

ACKNOWLEDGING that a single medication may cause different benefits and/or side effects in each of the many species that are native to WA member nations;

DESIRING to more fully understand the potential benefits and harms with regards to using medications among different species;

CREATES the International Drug Education Agency (IDEA) as a sub-committee of the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency (WAFADRA);

SPECIFIES that IDEA employees will collect all published research on medication therapy conducted within NS nations;
(1) Said research will be made available to, at minimum -- PLEASE SPECIFY A QUANTITY OF DRUGS -- , all medical professionals within WA nations.
(2) Non-WA nations would be able to access this information for a nominal fee, set by the IDEA.

DETAILS that IDEA medical professionals will review all published research on medication therapy and make non-binding recommendations;

RECOMMENDS that Health Research & Development Division of the WHA accept applications for funding from WA member nations for further research regarding already discovered medication therapies to better understand their safety and efficacy with long-term use.

AMMENDMENT (by THE PEOPLE AT THE PRF): Marijuana shault be dispensed in apposite vending machines; the drug shault be sold via the use of pre-paid cards to all patients that haev certain illnesses (PERHAPS WE SHOULD ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF WHICH ILLNESSES)

The People of the PRF are very aroused as they were reading this proposal on the message board of their townhalls and churches.

PRF

[Mousebumples]

I'm a bit concerned that this clause may imply WA regulation on non-member states, that is in regards to the fee.

While I did edit this in the next draft, I am less concerned. There is no WA regulation forced upon non-member states; however, if they wish to participate in a WA-funded enterprise (to which they provide no funding), I believe they can and should be expected to pay their "share," as is appropriate.

But in terms of the 'hard data', this is a tricky proposition. Many published articles do essentially consist of a data set, with relatively little analysis: 'A Study of x in Populations y with Factors z'.

OOC: I'm a pharmacist, and I read a fair amount of medical literature when I was in college. (I do still read some now, but ... less so.) Most articles, in my experience, contain an Abstract (or general summary), Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion/Analysis. Other parts may be added, but usually journal articles provide more information about the details of how the study was conducted. Of course, some studies are poorly constructed - and, as a result, the resulting data may be more or less meaningless. (no control group, no blinding, inappropriate methods of data collection) Accounting for this seems difficult to do within the constructs of the proposal, but this is a reason why I added in the IDEA Quarterly. (and, of course, nations would be welcome to seek out the published data/article regarding a study that intrigues them)

You don't need an agency... just tell all those young fledgelings to go to http://www.erowid.org/.

RL references are illegal in WA proposals.

A simple fix to this would be to add either an exemption to the bill for non-WA members solely for allowing the access to the information. Or just add that the data share is the only application of the bill to non WA member states. I certainly wouldn't charge them for it though, that could be viewed by some as extending the arm of rule of the WA over those nations.

HOWEVER - by sharing this information with them for free, what better way to show to the rest of the world the good that the WA can provide to them?

That would be a good idea, honoured ambassador.

While I understand your intent, I believe that non-WA nations that wish to participate should also share in the funding of this venture (unless they are determined to not have a strong enough economy to allow participation, which I believe I accounted for in the edit.) Of course, if they don't wish to pay a fee for access, they'd be welcome to join the WA, where the General Fund (which would presumably collect some donations from the aforementioned nation) would provide the funding for member nations.

As you appear to be concerned over the legality of this clause, I will ask for clarification in moderation.

The delegation from Serrland would look favorably upon compiling the aforementioned research in a publicly accessible database.

Excellent. Thank you for your support.

I speak for not only myself, but the Nation of New Buckner in citing how important we feel the creation of the IDID will benefit not only the World Assembly, but that of the entire world.

I don't see how the IDID is much different from the general concept of IDEA, and therefore, IDID is redundant and unnecessary. Additionally, I dislike the concept of placing a flat tax on all member nations as a proportion of the GDP. Some nations with strong economies would be paying a LARGE amount to fund this. This proposal would be funded through the WA General Fund, and, in my opinion, that is the best avenue for this venture.

While I may not agree with the specifics of your suggestion, I do appreciate your time and efforts to aid in the overall improvement of this proposal.

Just a quick note that after having internet issues for much of the weekend (I couldn't get the forums to load at all yesterday evening ),

Neither could any one else.
http://www.nationstates.net/page=news/2 ... imebymoose

Heh, yeah, I noticed that this morning. Glad to know it wasn't just me. (Stupid moose!)

AMMENDMENT (by THE PEOPLE AT THE PRF): Marijuana shault be dispensed in apposite vending machines; the drug shault be sold via the use of pre-paid cards to all patients that haev certain illnesses (PERHAPS WE SHOULD ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF WHICH ILLNESSES)

This addition is completely inappropriate within the context of this proposal. This proposal is geared at discovering more details about different drug therapies (which may include marijuana); however, it does not and will not make any changes regarding legality or illegality of recreational or medicinal drugs. It may make recommendations (and it may discover benefits with use of marijuana), but this proposal is leaving such decisions up to individual member states. You are certainly welcome to pass laws regarding your suggested additions, but they are inappropriate for inclusion within this proposal.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. The edited version is coming shortly!

[Bears Armed]

EDIT: And now I'm thinking that setting some sort of standards and/or patient's bill of rights might be appropriate before this piece of legislation. (I thought there already was something of that nature in place, but that's in the old UN, so the law doesn't apply any longer. ... And, upon rereading, it doesn't really cover what I wanted it to cover. So I've squeezed it in below, but it may be more appropriate as it's own piece of legislation.)

Ahem! WA (GA) Resolution #29, 'Patient's Rights Act'...

[Mousebumples]

And now I'm thinking that setting some sort of standards and/or patient's bill of rights might be appropriate before this piece of legislation. (I thought there already was something of that nature in place, but that's in the old UN, so the law doesn't apply any longer. ... And, upon rereading, it doesn't really cover what I wanted it to cover. So I've squeezed it in below, but it may be more appropriate as it's own piece of legislation.)

Version II: (editing notes and comments can be found in the OP)

UNDERSTANDING that safety and efficacy are important standards with regards to drug therapy;

ACKNOWLEDGING that a single drug may cause different benefits and/or side effects in each of the many species that are native to WA member nations;

DESIRING to more fully understand the potential benefits and harms with regards to using drugs among different species;

CREATES the International Drug Education Agency (IDEA) as a sub-committee of the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency (WAFADRA);

SPECIFIES that IDEA employees will collect all data related to drug therapy conducted within NS nations;
1. This research will include data collected with regards to medication therapy and recreational drug use to allow for a better understanding of the risks and benefits all sorts of drugs;
2. Publishers of said research will receive appropriate monetary reimbursement, as determined by IDEA, in exchange for allowing wider access to this research;
3. Said research will be made available to, at minimum, all medical professionals within WA nations; individual nations may provide this information to others within their own borders as they deem appropriate;
4. Non-WA nations may apply for access to this information; depending on the relative strength/weakness of the aforementioned nation's economy, a nominal fee may charged by the IDEA for access, as determined on a case-by-case basis;

DETAILS that IDEA medical professionals will review all published research on medication therapy and issue quarterly IDEA newsletters;
1. The newsletters will be written by health care professionals and will detail the most significant discoveries in drug therapy; these may include things such as new indications for an already discovered drug, new concerns regarding side effects for an already established drug, new recommendations for use in certain populations, etc.;
2. IDEA professionals may include non-binding recommendations within this newsletter regarding suggested changes to currently established medication therapy standards;
3. The IDEA Quarterly will be provided to all interested nations free of charge;

RECOMMENDS that Health Research & Development Division of the WHA accept applications for funding from WA member nations for further research regarding already discovered medication therapies to better understand their safety and efficacy with long-term use;
1. Applications for funding must include details of how the study would be conducted and what drug(s) would be studied;
2. Funded studies must employ informed consent of all participants in the study;
(a) Informed consent is defined as providing complete information with regards to the risks and benefits of participating in the study.
(b) If an individual enrolled in a study does not have the mental capacity to provide informed consent, the legal guardian's informed consent is required.
3. Studies are strongly encouraged, but not required, to have a placebo-controlled group or a similar control group;

[New Buckner]

Representative from Mousebumples,

I still dis agree with charging any sort of fee for access to this information for Nations outside of the WA. It just isn't right. If the idea of the WA is to be the world's leader and provide an environment for the world to develop and grow, it also means to set the example and expand our knowledge to those outside of these halls, show the rest of the world the benefits they can receive from joining the WA.

I was making a suggestion as to the database, you can always call it something different. I don't think a newsletter will be the most efficient way of getting this information out there. It is only limiting what research has been conducted and only a very few snippets. If there was an actual database that was available that was the centralized and standardized location for all of the information and research gained from this, it would be more beneficial and time saving for whoever gets access to this information in the long run.

As to the cost of it, I also stated that we would be willing to concede to a flat 5,000 rate from each nation. That would garnish OVER 56 BILLION in funds that you would have for this project. Low cost fee to the Nations, but high gain for the World Assembly.

[Mousebumples]

I still dis agree with charging any sort of fee for access to this information for Nations outside of the WA. It just isn't right. If the idea of the WA is to be the world's leader and provide an environment for the world to develop and grow, it also means to set the example and expand our knowledge to those outside of these halls, show the rest of the world the benefits they can receive from joining the WA.

A few responses: Where does it say that the idea of the WA is to be the world's leader and provide an environment for the world to develop and grow? I disagree with your original statement, and therefore, the following argument fails to convince me.

Do you really think that there are nations who are not WA members only because they don't think they would benefit? I can't speak for everyone, of course, but I highly doubt that that is the norm - at least, in my experience. Some nations do not "play well with others" and don't wish to participate. Some nations have no desire to be subject to international legislation and do not participate due to national sovereignty reasons.

I do agree that WA membership is a good idea for most nations; however, I don't understand why charging a fee for access to non-WA member nations is incompatible with this premise. If a nation does not wish to pay the aforementioned fee, that is easily solved - join the WA!

I was making a suggestion as to the database, you can always call it something different. I don't think a newsletter will be the most efficient way of getting this information out there. It is only limiting what research has been conducted and only a very few snippets. If there was an actual database that was available that was the centralized and standardized location for all of the information and research gained from this, it would be more beneficial and time saving for whoever gets access to this information in the long run.

Why do you think that the data will not already be organized in a database? I did not specify because I did not want to limit the options of the IDEA for spreading of information. The IDEA Quarterly will not be the only way in which information is shared. I suggest rereading the entire legislation before making such statements since they do not match up with the text.

As to the cost of it, I also stated that we would be willing to concede to a flat 5,000 rate from each nation. That would garnish OVER 56 BILLION in funds that you would have for this project. Low cost fee to the Nations, but high gain for the World Assembly.

I still maintain that stating a certain cost of the organization is inappropriate. Costs may rise unexpectedly, and I would prefer to not limit what IDEA is able to do by limiting it's funding. I do not see what can be added to the proposal by specifying numbers, in terms of funding/contributions. And, again, a flat amount (or flat percentage) may inappropriately punish some nations who have weaker/stronger economies.

I do not know if we will agree on this subject, but I still appreciate your contributions.

Cheers,

[New Buckner]

My esteemed Representative,

I appreciate your responses and I wish to continue the good natured banter if I may.

It is assumed by myself and the people of New Buckner that the World Assembly should be the bond that brings the Nations of the world together in the hopes of creating a better world for all.

I would agree with you in your assessment concerning the other nations. However, that is for them to decide. In the meantime, I view New Buckner's decision to become a member of the World Assembly as a choice to help influence the future of this world for the better. While myself and my people don't always agree with the resolutions that have come from this body, we do follow them, as is the charter of the great Assembly of people. My active participation in the Forum of this great Assembly enables me to be a more effective and personal leader to my people. The time may come when I will appoint a Ambassador, but while I can still manage things at home, and direct my attention to the World assembly as required, I will continue to represent the people of New Buckner in persona.

I was suggesting the non-fee for non-WA members just so they aren't forced into Joining the WA to receive access to things such as this. To me, you yourself even argued against that point in your previous statement of why some don't want to be a member of the WA. The research and information that will come from this resolution, should it pass, will be beneficial for the world, not just the WA.

I just saw the newsletter part, and nothing in the re-write concerning a centralized clearing house for all of the information. It appears to be hinted at in the wording of the resolution, but nothing that specifically states the centralization of the data. If left to interpretation, one could think that multiple locations could be used, or each center of research would maintain only the data that they themselves gather, and that information would have to be requested for, etc, etc. If all of the information was co-located and in a uniform method of storage, it would be much simpler, quicker, and in the long run cheaper than if it was left to the multiple sites.

I can see your assessment for the cost aspect. I would just like to ask where will the initial funding come from and the continued funding for the project? I doubt the income from nations outside of the WA will be enough to cover the cost of this program. I was merely concerned with where the program will be funded from is all.

[Mousebumples]

I was suggesting the non-fee for non-WA members just so they aren't forced into Joining the WA to receive access to things such as this. To me, you yourself even argued against that point in your previous statement of why some don't want to be a member of the WA. The research and information that will come from this resolution, should it pass, will be beneficial for the world, not just the WA.

Yes, it will be beneficial. And for poor nations (or in the cases, of life-threatening diseases), the results of such research (i.e. drugs and, presumably, information regarding their use) would be distributed by the WHA, at the very least at a discounted cost, per per WA Resolution #41 (Access to Life Saving Drugs). The aforementioned resolution does not appear to make any distinction between WA and non-WA nations, and as such, I would presume that such information/medications would be accessible to all nations in need.

Additionally, the research of this proposal (as well as the one mentioned above) certainly *would* benefit all nations, even if they were unable to access the hard data of all the research that is done. If new drugs are developed, I fully expect that they will be marketed on an international scale - and not just in WA nations. If additional indications (or new concerns about side effects) are determined, this information would not be kept private for the eyes of WA members only. While WA health care professionals (and others, as detailed in the proposal text) would have free access to the data , presumably important studies would be published in some reputable journal that any nation/hospital/health care professional/etc. could subscribe to, if they so desire. Also, it is not logical to consider that any information gathered through WA-funded studies would not spread throughout the world if it is significant. Generally, medical professionals talk to each other - and I know that my own national staff of doctors/nurses/etc. would be sure to inform others within my region if some treatment-altering piece of information was discovered. It is also this sort of important research that would be covered in the newsletter - which is not necessarily limited by length. (Although I would presume that few nations would desire to read a 400 page book 4 times a year.)

I just saw the newsletter part, and nothing in the re-write concerning a centralized clearing house for all of the information. It appears to be hinted at in the wording of the resolution, but nothing that specifically states the centralization of the data. If left to interpretation, one could think that multiple locations could be used, or each center of research would maintain only the data that they themselves gather, and that information would have to be requested for, etc, etc. If all of the information was co-located and in a uniform method of storage, it would be much simpler, quicker, and in the long run cheaper than if it was left to the multiple sites.

I fully agree with this statement, as the author of the Universal Library Coalition proposal. As in that proposal, leaving the material to be in hard copy only - especially when we are only dealing with data points is illogical.

[OOC] Personally, I was envisioning something along the lines of PubMed, but I am well aware that that may not be the best choice in the NS world as there may be other technologies available to us that are not available in the RL. (and, again, explaining PubMed to someone who is not familiar with it ... without naming it ... may require far too many characters)[/OOC]

I can see your assessment for the cost aspect. I would just like to ask where will the initial funding come from and the continued funding for the project? I doubt the income from nations outside of the WA will be enough to cover the cost of this program. I was merely concerned with where the program will be funded from is all.

Passed WA Resolution #17 - WA General Fund

Cheers,

[Mousebumples]

Mod Ruling on the inclusion/mention of non-WA nations in WA legislation

I'm pretty sure that's happened before, where non-WA (then UN, I think) were allowed to participate and voluntarily restrict themselves. One of the regulars probably remembers better than I.

[Frattica]

We think this resolution should have an indication of how much this "IDEA" will cost in material terms.

We believe this is too abstract, adn call for further elaboration of this. ehm.."idea".

PRF