September 06, 2024
Important HOD Updates: In Memoriam and Childcare
Dear Colleagues:
The 153rd Annual Session of the California Medical Association (CMA) House of Delegates (HOD) will convene October 26-27, 2024, at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in downtown Sacramento. As you plan your participation in the meeting, your Speakers request that you carefully review the following information.
In Memoriam
Each year during HOD, we honor and reflect on our physician colleagues who are no longer with us. If you would like to honor a CMA member who passed away since October 2023, please submit an “in memoriam” resolution and photo to Navdeep Dhaliwal by Tuesday, Sept. 24. A sample template is available if needed. Thank you for your assistance in honoring our dedicated CMA member physicians.
Childcare
CMA has partnered with ACCENT on Children’s Arrangements, Inc., to offer half- and full-day services on Saturday and Sunday, October 26-27, as well as an evening slot for parents who would like to have childcare during the Gala. Parents are responsible for breakfast and lunch; however, snacks will be provided.
All ACCENT staff members have full background checks and are CPR and first aid certified. All children ages 6 months to 12 years are welcome to participate, with age-specific activities planned for them. There is no costs to sign up, but for planning purposes as spaces are limited. Thanks to The Doctors Company for sponsoring this service!
Hotel Accommodations
CMA has secured a block of guest rooms reserved at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento and the Sheraton Grand Sacramento at a special rate. Reservations may be made by using the links provided on the HOD website. The deadline for booking discounted rooms is Friday, Oct. 4, but do not wait until the deadline to book your room.
Delegates are strongly advised to book early, since the room block is limited and the discounted rate may no longer be offered after the block has filled. If you have issues reserving a room, please contact Dya Carranza for assistance.
Major Issues for Discussion
The House of Delegates establishes broad policy on current major issues that have been determined by the Committee of Delegation Chairs (CDC), Speakers and the Board of Trustees (BOT) to be the most important issues affecting members, the Association and the practice of medicine. The CDC met in April to develop a proposal identifying those topics for 2024, and the BOT has approved the following for discussion at the House of Delegates:
New Delegate Orientation
On Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., your Speakers will host a virtual New Delegate Orientation. They will review CMA's organizational structure and governance, with emphasis on the HOD: what it is and how it fits in, how it functions, how to participate effectively as an Delegate or Alternate. Register now.
Presidential Gala Tickets on Sale!
Tickets for the annual Presidential Gala are now on sale! The Gala will take place the evening of Saturday, October 26, and will include dinner, entertainment and dancing in celebration of incoming CMA President Shannon Udovic-Constant, M.D. To purchase tickets, please contact Jennifer Moller.
Please also let us know if you would like to sponsor a table for medical students and residents!
House of Delegates Schedule
HOD registration will be open the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 25, for any attendee who arrives early. We highly suggest checking in at registration in advance of the inevitable Saturday morning rush.
Sessions for the 2024 HOD are scheduled as follows (tentative):
- Saturday, Oct. 26:
- 8 to 11:30 a.m. (first session)
- 1 to 5 p.m. (second session)
- Sunday, Oct. 27:
- 8 to 11:30 a.m. (third session)
- 1 to 3:30 p.m. (fourth session)
In addition to conducting various elections, hearing from leaders in organized medicine, honoring members with awards and other business, the weekend will consist of education and debate on major issues, spread across four general sessions. We hope to adjourn HOD no later than 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
A draft schedule of the weekend’s major events and activities will soon be posted on the HOD website and will be continuously updated until we get to House. Please check with your delegation coordinator for information about your own delegation’s caucus meetings and meal functions.
Meeting Registration and Rosters
All delegates and alternate delegates will be pre-registered for the meeting based on delegation rosters submitted to CMA. Delegates and alternates should be duly elected or appointed per the method or manner prescribed to each delegation in the CMA Bylaws.
Meeting Materials and Wi-Fi
House of Delegates agenda materials will be posted to the House of Delegates website. Paper copies will not be provided. All reports must be presented for consideration at least 30 days before the opening of the House. Ancillary materials will be posted in September. This will afford delegations an opportunity to caucus prior to the opening of the House if they wish to do so. Wi-Fi will be provided in all meeting rooms, including caucus meeting rooms, for on-site access to the materials.
We look forward to a productive 153rd Annual Session – and we hope you also take time to enjoy your stay in Sacramento. We also wish to encourage any and all of you to contact us, through your delegation chairs or directly, with questions, concerns, or recommendations regarding this year’s House!
Thank you,
Jack Chou, M.D.
Speaker of the House
Tel: (626) 851-6345
jackchoumd@gmail.com
George Fouras, M.D.
Vice-Speaker of the House
Tel: (415) 867-6485
geofou@sbcglobal.net