On March 17, 2017, the 50 physician members of the California Medical Association (CMA) Council on Legislation (COL), chaired by Valencia Walker, M.D., met to discuss and recommend positions on legislation that would impact physicians and the practice of medicine in California.

In the weeks leading up to COL, after the deadline for bill introductions, a list of relevant bills was circulated to COL members with recommended positions from CMA staff. Any questions, points of clarification, need for additional information or suggested changes in bill positions are brought to the floor of COL, where a robust discussion takes place.

"The dedication and commitment displayed by so many who take time away from their practices to participate in shaping the future of health and medicine in California is humbling and inspiring," Dr. Walker said. "The Council on Legislation meeting is a great opportunity to witness passionate and smart dialogue about issues affecting every family and every individual in California. As we work together to formulate CMA's stance on state legislation, the breadth of expertise demonstrated by our physicians and staff exemplifies the best of democracy in action."

All of the recommended positions taken by COL will be presented to the CMA Board of Trustees for finalization on April 18. These then become CMA’s official positions throughout the current legislative cycle.

To receive updates from CMA regarding state legislation, CMA members can subscribe to CMA's Legislative Hot List.