MEMBERSHIP OPENS DOORS FOR IMPACT
Santa Cruz Monterey Medical Association Foundation
Workforce Development: Provide leadership and feedback to local premed students involved in programs like UCSC’s Student Lecture Series.
Residency Program: Get involved with expanding local residency programs to help create more pathways for our future physicians
Young People in Medicine: Become a youth mentor through programs such as UCSC’s MESA Program
Join our board
Members are eligible to run for a seat on our board and become one of the voices shaping the Santa Cruz Monterey Medical Association’s mission, focus, and involvement.
Run for local office
Bring your expertise and background in medicine to your local office where you’ll have a direct hand in shaping both state and local health care policy As a member of SCMMA and CMA, you’ll have the support of CALPAC staff and physician leaders helping you run for office.
Become a delegate or alternate
Are you a member with something to say about the practice of medicine? Well, we might have just the stage for you CMA’s House of Delegates (HOD) consists of more than 500 elected member delegates that convene annually to debate on the most important issues affecting members, the association, and the practice of medicine.
Join a counsel or subcommittee
here here here here here
CMA’s Council and Subcommittee structure addresses the entire range of health care issues impacting the practice of medicine in California. Nominate yourself or a colleague to serve on one of CMA’s standing Councils and Subcommittees such as the Council on Ethical, Legal and Judicial Affairs, or the Council on Science and Public Health
For questions, comments, or if you’d like to get involved, reach out to Tira Hepker at sccms@cruzmed org
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
CMA policy
Policy
action
Register as
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Vote on
Turn
into
Become a physician advocate
a Subject Matter Expert Author a resolution
more
more
more
Learn
Learn
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LEADING VOICE IN HEALTH CARE: Through expert political and regulatory advocacy, CMA has positioned itself as one of the most infuential stakeholders in the development and implementation of health policy. CMA also gives members direct access to our state’s and nation’s legislative leaders so they can shape the practice of medicine in California.
ADMINISTRATIVE BURDENS: CMA works hard to reduce administrative burdens in physician practices, so physicians can spend more time caring for patients. CMA is fghting to streamline prior authorization at both the state and federal level, prevent unfair payment practices, stop duplicative reporting requirements and more.
LEGAL EXPERTS: CMA’s Center for Legal Affairs provides members with information about laws and regulations that impact the practice of medicine. Our health law information specialists—with the help of CMA legal counsel—will help you fnd information on a multitude of health-law related issues.
PHYSICIAN WORKFORCE: CMA is committed to ensuring California is training enough physicians to meet current and future demand. Our CalMedForce GME grant program to date has allocated over $189 million to 143 GME programs across California to retain and expand residency programs in primary and emergency medicine.
REIMBURSEMENT ASSISTANCE: Members receive one-on-one assistance from CMA’s reimbursement experts, who have recouped $40 million from payors on behalf of CMA physicians since 2008.
LOAN FORGIVENESS: CMA’s CalHealthCares program provides loan repayment on educational debt for California physicians and dentists. Eligible physicians can receive up to $300,000 in exchange for a fveyear service obligation. To date, 1,077 California providers have received a combined total of $256 million to pay down student debt.
TELEHEALTH: Through CMA’s advocacy, both public and private payors were pushed to expand their coverage of and reimbursement for services provided via telehealth. CMA in 2022 also successfully pushed to extend the COVID-19 telehealth waivers into 2023 and to permanently extend key Medi-Cal telehealth payment parity.
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“Membership in CMA allows me to make a long-lasting diference in the lives of my patients and protect and enhance the practice of medicine in California.”
Bradford Anderson, M.D. Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation Member since 1991
careers.cmadocs.org
YEAR-ROUND RESOLUTIONS
Board Actions on Q3 Council Reports
The Board took the following actions on the Recommendations in the report from the Council on Science and Public Health:
RECOMMENDATION 1: 103-23 Front of Package Labeling for Food High in
Calories, Sugar, Fats or Sodium
RESOLVED: That CMA supports front-of-package labeling for foods high in calories, sugar, unhealthy fats, or sodium; and be it further
RESOLVED: That CMA supports front-of-package labeling that allows for relative ease of comparisons between different foods; and be it further
RESOLVED: That CMA encourages the development of a nutritional food grading system that meets a minimum standard of providing a) a simple, highly visible (i e front-of-package), and b) easy-to-understand rating scale that is usable by consumers to compare foods at point-of-purchase; and be it further
RESOLVED: That CMA supports developing a process for nutritional food labeling that prioritizes scientific rigor to ensure the nutritional food grading system is evidence-based.
Board action: Approved Council's recommendation to adopt amended Resolution 103-23.
RECOMMENDATION 2: The Council on Science and Public Health recommends disapproval of Resolution 109-23.
Board action: Approved Council's recommendation to disapprove resolution.
Board Actions on Q3 Council Reports
Email Title: Board Actions on Q3 Council Reports - DONE
The Board took the following actions on the Recommendations in the report from the Council on Membership, Governance and Bylaws:
RECOMMENDATION 3: 302-23 Merger of Santa Cruz County Medical Society and Monterey County Medical Society
RESOLVED: That pursuant to Chapter 4, Section 4 04 of the CMA Bylaws that the charters of both the Monterey County Medical Society (MCMS) and Santa Cruz County Medical Association (SCCMS) be rescinded, and that a new charter be issued to the merged entity now named the Santa Cruz Monterey Medical Association, and be it further
RESOLVED: That the CMA officially recognize this consolidation and make appropriate changes in all official publications, documents, and policies, and be it further
RESOLVED: That the CMA notify the American Medical Association of the consolidation and the new name and request that the appropriate changes be made in the organization’s official publications, documents, and policies
Board action: Approved Council's recommendation to adopt amended resolution.
The Board took the following actions on the Recommendations in the report from the Council on Ethical, Legal and Judicial Affairs:
RECOMMENDATION 4: The Council on Ethical, Legal and Judicial Affairs recommends approval of a substitute in lieu of Resolutions 501-22 and 501-23.
RESOLVED: That CMA recognizes that it is imperative to establish a framework for healthcare providers to appropriately but temporarily hold and care for those adult patients who: 1) lack capacity to make healthcare decisions for themselves, 2) are seriously ill, gravely disabled or at other risk of harm to themselves or others, and 3) who wish to leave the healthcare facility despite the existence of these conditions and/or risk of harm, until such time that 1) the individual recovers decision-making capacity, 2) a surrogate decision-maker can be appointed, or 3) the patient can be safeguarded by family or friends, whichever comes first; and be it further
RESOLVED: That CMA supports the development, with the collaboration of appropriate stakeholders, of a model policy and an action plan to promote the implementation of a framework for healthcare providers to determine how to temporarily hold and care for those adult patients who 1) lack the capacity to make healthcare decisions, 2) are seriously ill, gravely disabled or at other risk of harm to themselves and or others, and 3) who wish to leave the healthcare facility despite such conditions and/or risk of harm, until such time that 1) they recover decision-making capacity, 2) a surrogate decisionmaker can be appointed, or 3) the patient can be safeguarded by family or friends, whichever comes first.
Board action: Approved Council's recommendation to approve amended resolution.
Page 16
NEW PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS
As a result of CMA's victory in expanding the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, California physicians who work in nonprofit hospitals, foundations, clinics, or other healthcare establishments full time (30 hours/week) for 10 years may now be eligible for the program. "Physicians who are in for-profit sole proprietorships or partnerships or are employed by forprofit medical groups or other professional corporations still qualify under the new rules as long as 30 hours of services per week are provided in a non-profit facility through a written agreement with the facility or health care entity." Read CMA's full article highlighting the most recent changes here!
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BREAKING NEWS
APPLY NOW! The PSLF application is now live! Simply click on this link to be redirected to the application BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE LATEST UPDATES! Visit cmadocs.org/pslf for the most up to date guide.
Stress, anxiety, depression, and grief are common, but they’re manageable. The Santa Cruz Monterey Medical Association is working collaboratively to support Central Coast physicians who are experiencing stress and burnout. Our resiliency sessions provide relief, an increased ability to cope, healing, and an opportunity for personal fulfillment.
Through the Resilience in Medicine Program (RIM), physicians can access up to two (2) annual resiliency sessions with approved and vetted RIM providers. We pay for RIM directly, discreetly, and anonymously to ensure the highest level of confidentiality. Your insurance will never be asked for, nor billed.
Through grants and private donations, we're able to offer the first two visits free of charge for physicians living and practicing in Monterey or Santa Cruz Counties. Physicians may extend their participation at their expense after the second visit.
Please ask for help. Sessions are not only confidential, they are also convenient, and FREE. Visit RIM to learn more about how to take advantage of these free and confidential resiliency sessions.
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A P h y s i c i a n W e l l n e s s P r o g r a m o f t h e S a n t a C r u z M o n t e r e y M e d i c a l A s s o c i a t i o n F o u n d a t i o n
Page 19 HMA's Main Support Page LET'S HELP MAUI! Learn how you can make a difference for those impacted by the fires You can find more donation and volunteer support information at ready.hawaii.gov or 808-7334300 Seeking Physician Volunteers Donation Opportunities Latest Resources and News
Fri. 10/20 Sat. 10/21
Sat. 10/21
New Delegate Orientation
CALPAC Reception
Presidential Gala
Future of Medicine Event
Session 1 - Sat 10/28: 8-11:30am
Session 2 - Sat 10/21: 1-5:00pm
Session 3 - Sun. 10/22: 8-11:30am
Session 4 - Sun 10/22: 1-4:00pm
Detailed schedule for the full weekend can be downloaded here (subject to change)
The 152nd annual session of the CMA House of Delegates at JW Marriott LA LIVE
Learn more on the HOD event page cmadocs.org/hod-2023
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Tue. 10/17
Donaldo Hernandez, M D CMA President 2023, Santa Cruz
O T H E R K E Y E V E N T S
Tanya Spirtos, M D CMA President 2024, Redwood City
I
H O D S E S S
O N S
I N R E C O G N I T I O N
2 0 2 3 H O U S E O F D E L E G A T E S
CALPAC, the California Medical Association Political Action Committee, works to elect candidates who share our vision for the future of health care in California, as well as to maintain relationships with these legislators in offce.
Please donate today by scanning the code with your smartphone or visiting: calpac.org/donate.
CALPAC is a voluntary political organization that contributes to candidates for state and federal offce who share our philosophy and vision of the future of medicine. Contributions are not deductible for state or federal income tax purposes. More information available at CALPAC.org
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CALPAC
Rev. January 2023
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CMA and AMA urge court to portect patient safety and uphold long-standing prohibition against non-physicians' use of 'doctor' (Source: CMA) - 9/6
“The California Medical Association (CMA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) have filed a joint amicus curiae brief defending California’s long-standing law that prohibits the use of the term “doctor” or the prefix “Dr.” by anyone other than Californialicensed allopathic and osteopathic physicians.”
GAO upholds award of TRICARE contract to TriWest Healthcare Alliance (Source: CMA) -8/16
“The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has upheld the U.S. Defense Health Agency (DHA) decision to award the TRICARE West region managed care support contract to TriWest Healthcare Alliance, rejecting Health Net Federal Services' (HNFS) second protest over the decision.”
Federal court strikes down steep fee hike and batching rules in latest NSA case (source: CMA) - 8/22
“The most recent lawsuit — the fourth filed by TMA challenging provisions of the rule — objects to a 600% hike in administrative fees for those seeking dispute resolutions.”
Speaker's Message: August 14, 2023 (source: CMA)
“The Medical Board of California recently published a long-awaited update to its opioid prescribing guidelines, which will make it easier for patients to get the care they need while maintaining appropriate safeguards. Importantly, the medical board has clarified that the guidelines are not intended to replace a physician’s clinical judgment and individualized, patient-centered decision-making.
Watsonville Community Hosptial hosts town hall on agency's future (source: Santa Cruz Sentinel) -7/21
“The last time Matko Vranjes, the interim CEO of Watsonville Community Hospital, was in the cafeteria at Watsonville High School in late 2021, the mood was a lot more somber. […] But what a difference a year and a half can make.”
Page 22 GET MORE WITH THE NEWS
Major donation marks a new chapter for the Dignity Health mobile wellness clinic, enhancing vital care to communities in need (source: Dignity Health) - 8/23
“In collaboration with the Dominican Hospital Foundation, Dignity Health Dominican Hospital announced that it received a transformative donation of $1 million towards a $2.145 million philanthropy-funded campaign. The new Wellness on Wheels campaign will significantly expand the availability of vital medical care in underserved communities in Santa Cruz County. ”
Judge invalidates federal regs that allow insurers to artivicially deflate payments in surprise-billing disputes (source: CMA) - 8/22
“‘These provisions unfairly disadvantaged physicians in payment disputes with health insurers, ultimately robbing our patients of access to physicians’ care,’ said TMA President Rick Snyder, M.D. “
Court lifts injunction on retroactive enforcement of CMA law requiring reimbursement for COVID-19 services (source: CMA) - 9/5
“A Los Angeles County Superior Court lifted a preliminary injunction on the retroactive enforcement of Senate Bill 510’s requirement that health plans and insurers reimburse health care providers for certain COVID-19 claims that predated the effective date of the law.”
Medi-Cal Rx to reimplement prior auth for some therapeutic classes, including enteral nutrition products (source: CMA) - 8/31
“The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) recently initiated Phase IV, Lift 2 (P4/L2) of the Medi-Cal Rx transition, which will reinstate prior authorization requirements for new start therapies for standard therapeutic classes 68, 86, and 87, which includes enteral nutrition products, effective September 22, 2023.”
Appeals court preserves FDA approval of abortion drug, but subject to restrictions; sets up Supreme Court review (source: CMA) - 8/22
“In the latest ruling in an ongoing legal battle on the future of abortion medications, a panel of the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans recently upheld parts of a Texas District Court ruling that would restrict the use of mifepristone, while still allowing the drug to remain on the market.”
Page 23
GET MORE WITH THE NEWS
SAVE THE DATE
Webinar: New Federal Loan Forgiveness for CA and TX Physicians - Everything Physicians and Hospitals
Need to Know
Hosted by CMA
When: September 28, 2023…12:15pm - 1:15pm
Where: Online
Webinar: Elevating Physician Practices - Grant Opportunities for Advancing Population Health and Data Sharing Capabilities
Hosted by CMA
When: October 5, 2023 … 12:15pm - 1:15pm
Where: Online
Webinar: Virtual Grand Rounds: Opioid Treatment
Hosted by CMA
When: October 10, 2023…12:00pm - 1:00pm
Where: Online
Conference: 2023 American Conference on Physician
Health: Building the Workplace of the Future
Hosted by Stanford University School of Medicine
When: October 11-13, 2023…12:15pm - 1:15pm
Where: Palm Desert
Webinar: CMA Data Exchange Explainer Series #5How to Optimize Your Practice’s Workflows for Data Exchange
Hosted by CMA
When: October 12, 2023…12:15pm - 1:15pm
Where: Online
Page 24
SAVE THE DATE
Orientation: House of Delegates: New Delegate Orientation
Hosted by CMA
When: October 17, 2023… 6:30pm - 7:30
Where: Online
Assembly: 2023 Organized Medical Staff Section (OMSS) Assembly
Hosted by CMA
When: October 20, 2023… 10:00am - 3:00pm
Where: Los Angeles, CA - JW Marriott LA Live
Webinar: Virtual Grand Rounds: Silicosis
Hosted by CMA
When: November 14, 2023…12:00pm - 1:00pm
Where: Online
Webinar: CMA Data Exchange Explainer Series #6 - Incentives and Other Funding Opportunities for Data
Hosted by CMA
When: December 14, 2023… 12:15pm - 1:15pm
Where: Online
Page 25
Page 26 Customized insurance solutions for members The CMA Insurance Program is administered by Lockton Affnity, LLC d/b/a Lockton Affnity Insurance Brokers LLC in California #0795478. Coverage is subject to actual policy terms and conditions. Policy benefts are the sole responsibility of the issuing insurance company. The California Medical Association will receive a royalty fee for the licensing of its name and trademarks as part of the insurance program offered to the extent permitted by applicable law. Not available in all states. Visit LocktonAffnityCMA.com to schedule a 15-minute call with Lockton Affnity’s dedicated team. Together, we will determine the policies you need to be fully protected. Info@LocktonAffnityCMA.com | (800) 278-8130 The CMA Insurance Program, administered by Lockton Affnity, offers key benefts: Using group purchasing power, CMA members get exclusive, comprehensive coverage at discounted rates. Unique coverage offerings help safeguard yourself, your loved ones, your business and your livelihood. Access to newly available Medical Malpractice insurance.
The California Medical Association has partnered with Lockton Affnity to administer the CMA Insurance Program. Whether you operate independently or as part of a group practice, are beginning your career or considering retirement, this program offers key benefts to help protect you through all stages:
Available policies
To meet your exact needs, Lockton Affnity offers extensive policy options.
Page 27
The Lockton Affnity CMA Insurance Program is administered by Lockton Affnity, LLC d/b/a Lockton Affnity Insurance Brokers LLC in California #0795478. Coverage is subject to actual policy terms and conditions. Policy benefts are the sole responsibility of the issuing insurance company. The California Medical Association will receive a royalty fee for the licensing of its name and trademarks as part of the insurance
offered to
extent permitted
applicable
available in all states.
program
the
by
law. Not
COVERAGE
Cyber
Business
Business
Employment
Affnity
PROFESSIONAL COVERAGE Medical Malpractice
Dental
insurance
Disability insurance Travel Assistance Using group purchasing power, CMA members get exclusive, comprehensive coverage at discounted rates Discover unique coverage offerings to safeguard yourself, your loved ones, your business and your livelihood. Newly available: CMA members can access Medical Malpractice insurance. Begin your partnership today. Contact Lockton Affnity’s dedicated representatives to select the policies you need to build your insurance package. Info@LocktonAffnityCMA.com | (800) 278-8130 Customized insurance solutions for physicians and health care organizations
BUSINESS
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Liability
Owner’s Policy
Overhead Expense
Practices Liability insurance
Small Group Health Plans
PERSONAL COVERAGE Individual Health insurance
Group Level Term Life insurance Long-Term Care
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C O A S T A L P H Y S I C I A N
* * * S C M M A a n d C M A m e m b e r s r e c e i v e a 2 5 % d i s c o u n t
D E A D L I N E S F O R S U B M I T T I N G :
1 0 / 7 / 2 3 ( f o r N o v e m b e r ' s p u b l i c a t i o n ) 1 2 / 7 / 2 3 ( f o r J a n u a r y ' s p u b l i c a t i o n )
2 / 7 / 2 4 ( f o r M a r c h ' s p u b l i c a t i o n )
/ 7 / 2 4 ( F o r M a y ' s p u b l i c a t i o n )
6 / 7 / 2 4 ( f o r J u l y ' s p u b l i c a t i o n ) 8 / 7 / 2 4 ( F o r S e p t e m b e r ' s p u b l i c a t i o n )
I f p a y m e n t i s n o t r e c e i v e d b y t h e f i n a l d a y o f t h e m o n t h p r i o r t o t h e p u b l i c a t i o n m o n t h , t h e a d v e r t i s e m e n t i s s u b j e c t t o c a n c e l l a t i o n r a t e a d j u s t m e n t s a c c o r d i n g l y .
E m a i l s c c m s @ c r u z m e d . o r g f o r a l l i n q u i r i e s a n d s u b m i s s i o n s
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Santa Cruz Monterey Medical Society 1975 Soquel Dr. Suite 215 Santa Cruz, CA, 95060 831-455-1008 donnao@cruzmed.org www.cruzmed.org Thank you to all our writers readers!