BMA says identity cards must not limit access to emergency care

Identity cards that contain information about the bearers' right of access to public services could be useful in clarifying individual rights to health services but must never limit access to emergency health services or require doctors to police access to health services, the BMA said this week in its response to proposals for introducing identity cards in the United Kingdom.

The BMA considered that identity cards that clearly spelt out individuals' entitlement could assist in the efficient delivery of health services. For example, they could be useful for individuals, such as asylum seekers, whose legitimate right to access public services had been viewed with …