For a third year in a row, the California Medical Association (CMA) has seen a notable membership increase. As of August 15, total CMA membership stands at 39,493 (including physicians, medical students, residents, and retired physicians), representing all modes of practice from across the state – which puts CMA on pace for a total growth of 6.5 percent in 2014. Over the past three years CMA membership has grown 17.5 percent.

According to CMA Vice President of Membership and Communication Paul Hegyi, membership growth has been driven by the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Proposition 46 and the part that CMA is playing in both these issues.

“The Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA) battle is our number one issue in 2014,” he said. “Physicians are joining in large numbers because we are defending MICRA to keep health care affordable for all Californians.”

CMA has also played a key role in the implementation of the ACA, making sure that physicians are represented in the roll out of the program.