Resolution Recap: Here’s how the California Medical Association is responding to the Big Beautiful Bill
The California Medical Association (CMA) convenes physicians from across the state annually at its House of Delegatesmeeting, represented by county medical society sections (such as San Francisco - Marin Medical Society), residents and fellows section, and the medical student section. With assistance from CALPAC, the CMA strives to push the boundaries of state healthcare policy to advocate for the health and interests of the patients that members treat on a daily basis.
This year’s California Medical Association’s House of Delegates meeting was held with a specific focus – House Bill 1. The CMA discussion is guided by an internal Major Issues Report curated through a process that incorporates physician, resident, and medical student recommendations for resolutions. This year’s session was guided by a common thread, filling in gaps both historical and anticipated as a result of House Bill 1.
Informed by experience and expertise, delegates led discussion on changes to public health infrastructure that resulted from sweeping cuts to Medicaid, infringement on human rights and civil liberties by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, affirmation of abortion and reproductive healthcare, affirmation for gender affirming care, recommendations immunization and vaccine policy, and condemned the abrupt cessation of funding for research and innovation.
On Saturday morning, bylaw language was amended prior to discussion of the Major Issue Report, which occurred in the late afternoon. During the first session, the House of Delegates affirmed positions against burdensome Medicaid policies, eligibility, and state-financed aspects of the public payer option. There was also extensive discussion on the role of the CMA in condemning the actions of Immigration Enforcement, coupled with professional anecdotes about the importance of providing healthcare for immigrant communities.
As part of the House’s weekend processions, Dr. Anna Yap was elected on Sunday morning, stating an intent to involve medical students, residents, and fellows from the ground up in the policy development process to prepare the incoming generation of physicians as both clinician and advocate.
On Sunday, the House of Delegates voted on a number of resolutions focused on vaccine policy, affirmed its commitment to providing gender-affirming care to patients in California, and took a stance on continuing to support patients with reproductive healthcare, including abortion despite current federal action. The finalized resolutions will be used to guide advocacy efforts in Sacramento throughout the next year.
More information can be found on the CMA’s website.
