Legislative Advocacy
Government policies affect virtually every aspect of the practice of medicine, making political advocacy one of the most important activities our medical associations engage in on behalf of physicians and patients.  Government policies affect how physicians staff and equip medical offices, bill for services, how much physicians get paid for services, the cost of professional liability insurance, the manner in which health plans treat patients and physicians, the availability of health care resources in our community, and the affordability of health care insurance, just to name a few.

Here is information on ACCMA/CMA/AMA legislative advocacy activities, links to current legislation affecting health care, and information on how members can involve themselves in this vital activity.

Positions on Legislation

Find the latest information on legislation of importance to the medical profession, including a summary of the bill's content, CMA's position on the bill, and the bill's current location in the legislative process. more info...

Local Elected Officals: Contact Information

Find contact information for the President, and local representatives from the United States Senate, the United States Congress, the California Legislature, and county Boards of Supervisors. more info...

Legislative Leadership Conference

Each Spring, the CMA hosts the annual Legislative Leadership Conference in Sacramento, a stimulating and memorable program in which physicians have the opportunity to discuss current issues in health care face-to-face with local elected officials in the Assembly and Senate. more info...

Political Action Committees

Our political action committees help elect candidates who share our perspective and who are likely to promote legislative positions supported by the medical profession when elected. Our effectiveness is dependent on the degree of support we receive from physicians in the community. more info...

Legislative Key Contact Program

Legislative "key contacts" are ACCMA and CMA members who have some type of personal acquaintance with elected officials, who agree to communicate information about health care issues periodically and convey the views of the ACCMA and CMA on pending health care legislation. "Key contacts" play a very integral role in our legislative advocacy. more info...

Overview of Legislative Process

A brief overview of the Legislative Process - the process of government by which ideas are shaped into legislation, bills are considered and laws are enacted. more info...