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We know that in today’s economic climate, physicians are being assailed from many directions. Our goal is to provide our members with the necessary support, so that they can surpass the challenges and continue to run successful medical practices. Managed by the professional staff in the CMA Centers of Excellence, our success is measured in our ability to influence legislators, policymakers and the media on behalf of our physician members. A snapshot of our member advocacy and service programs, and the staff that oversee them, is provided below. |
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Center for Legal AffairsCMA’s Center for Legal Affairs defends the rights of physicians in the courts by filing lawsuits on behalf of physician members and weighing in as amicus curiae, or “friend of the court,” to influence health policy. The Center also helps CMA members comply with laws and regulations that impact the practice of medicine, through legal information and publications, as well as educational webinars and presentations. The Center also maintains CMA’s online health law library. |
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Center for Economic ServicesCMA’s Center for Economic Services provides one-on-one assistance to physician members and their staff on reimbursement and practice operations issues. The center is staffed by practice management experts with a combined experience of over 125 years in medical practice operations. Assistance ranges from coaching and education, to direct intervention with payors or regulators. | Staff Contact: | |
Center for Government RelationsThe Center for Government Relations is the physician’s voice at the State Capitol. Center staff works with legislators to educate them on how legislation could enhance or threaten patients’ health or a physicians’ ability to practice medicine. Each year the Center monitors over 500 bills, and takes an active, public position on over 200 bills. The Center’s activities include reading and tracking bills and amendments, shaping bill language, meeting with legislators, testifying in committee, conducting research, and preparing policy papers and position letters. |
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Center for Communications and Political AffairsCommunications, both external (media and the broader public) and internal (CMA members and potential members) is critical to displaying CMA's purpose and results. Similarly, successful legislative advocacy depends upon an integrated approach, consisting of lobbying, grassroots activity and political action. The Center for Communications and Political Affairs operates CMA’s Political Action Committee (CALPAC). CALPAC supports candidates and legislators who understand and embrace medicine’s agenda. |
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Center for Medical and Regulatory PolicyCMA’s Center for Medical and Regulatory Policy provides research and analysis on a broad range of health policy issues that affect physicians and patient care. The center helps to improve physician impact on the development of health policy by identifying opportunities and advocating for the appointment of physician members to external policy, advisory and oversight committees and boards. The Center also advocates for physicians and their patients in the California regulatory process, by tracking, reviewing and educating regulators on behalf of physicians. This includes writing comments, requesting public hearings and organizing testimony. |
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Center for Federal Government RelationsCMA is on the front lines, directly advocating the perspective of California’s practicing physicians before Congress and federal regulatory agencies. CMA is one of the largest state medical associations in the country, and our federal representatives are in key congressional leadership positions. This puts CMA in a unique position to effectively shape federal legislation that impacts physicians and their patients. |
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Center for Executive ManagementCMA’s Center for Executive Management works to ensure that the professional staff and resources of CMA are aligned with the mission, vision and strategic goals of the association. The Center encourages leadership development through the California Health Care Leadership Academy and coordinates staff liaison activity in support of physician governance, including the House of Delegates and Board of Trustees. The Center also works in partnership with the 39 county medical societies to provide support, services and programs to meet physician needs, including direct member assistance, educational opportunities and CME, group buying discounts, and more. |
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Center for Finance and AdministrationThe Center for Finance and Administration is comprised of several departments including Financial Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, Facilities and Meetings and Membership Dues Accounting. Each of the departments in the Center provides daily support to CMA elected leadership, county medical societies and professional staff. |
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