2016 HOUSE OF DELEGATES: CMA Delegates Discuss Major Issues

More than 500 California physicians convened October 15–16 at the Sacramento Convention Center for the 145th Annual Session of CMA’s House of Delegates (HOD). The meeting marked the end of the first year of CMA’s new governance reforms and the first time the delegates had reconvened since approving the reforms at last year’s HOD session.

Under the new system of governance, proposed policies are considered on a quarterly basis, with online testimony throughout the year. The HOD still meets annually, but the delegates now establish broad policy on current major issues affecting members, the association and the practice of medicine. Major issues discussed this year were:

MACRA: As the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) is implemented over the next several years, the CMA will be working hard to ensure it is workable for practicing physicians and improves patient care. The HODdiscussedvarious recommendations to guide CMA’s policy on this issue.

Maintenance of  Certification: CMA supports the highest standards for licensure that are based on education, training, experience and ethical criteria. In a sometimes heated debate, delegates discussed various models and proposals regarding maintenance and recertification of specialty board certification, including alternative approaches.

Opioids: The issue of opioid-related misuse, abuse and overdose continues to be a major policy issue at the federal, state and regional levels. The delegates discussed various strategies and policies to promote prescribing controlled substances safely and effectively to relieve pain, while simultaneously reducing the risk of prescription medication misuse, addiction and overdose.

Physician Burnout: Recognizing that it is the responsibility of the medical community to identify risk factors for and appropriately respond to signs of physician burnout, the CMA House of Delegates explored strategies to preserve the physical and mental well-being of physicians.

ACA Changes: Beginning in 2017, states can request a five-year renewable exemption on key coverage provisions within the Affordable Care Act, including those related to benefits and subsidies, the exchanges, and the individual and employer mandates. The HOD discussed various recommendations related to a possible Section 1332 waiver for California.

Five-Year Public Health Plan: For many decades, CMA has taken an active role in championing notable and successful public health policy campaigns that promote healthy practices and behaviors. Continuing its commitment to public health, the HOD discussed strategies to prevent and treat chronic disease and support healthy, safe communities, focusing on the following areas: adult and childhood obesity, tobacco use, pain, behavior health disorders, violence and infectious disease.

Before debating the issues, the delegates heard from experts in each major issue area, and for the first time continuing medical education (CME) credit was offered for these educational sessions. Final reports detailing the actions taken by the delegates are posted at www.cmanet.org/hod.

In addition to these discussions, Ruth Haskins, MD, was installed as CMA’s 149th president. The HOD also elected Theodore M. Mazer, MD, presidentelect.