Where We Stand
Section: Health Care Delivery
Policy: Person-Centered Language in Medical Records

Person-Centered Language in Medical Records

The OMA supports the following policy statements on person-centered language in medical records: the Oregon Medical Association (OMA) endorses the use of person-centered, equity-focused language in medical records to reduce stigma, improve patient care, and promote health equity. By prioritizing the individual over their condition, clinicians can foster dignity, respect, and unbiased decision-making, aligning with our commitment to equitable, patient-centered care.

The OMA also supports the following principles on person-centered language in medical records:

Principle 1: Respect Patient Dignity

Use person-first or identity-first language based on individual preferences to prioritize the patient over their condition.

Principle 2: Eliminate Stigmatizing Terms

Avoid terms like “non-compliant” or “substance abuser.” Instead, document structural challenges, such as “Patient unable to attend due to lack of transportation.”

Include context for health behaviors to focus on systemic challenges rather than assigning blame.

Principle 3: Reduce Bias Transmission

Use neutral, objective language to prevent perpetuation of bias among care teams and ensure equitable treatment.

Principle 4: Promote Training and Education

Train healthcare teams to recognize and avoid stigmatizing language, improving clinical decisions and patient outcomes.

Principle 5: Urge clinicians and institutions to adopt person-centered language in medical records

See Appendix Z

Adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 2025