The 145th Annual Session of the California Medical Association (CMA) House of Delegates (HOD) will tackle six major issues when it convenes October 15-16, 2016, at the Sacramento Convention Center.

Beginning this year, the HOD will establish broad policy on current major issues that have been determined to be the most important issues affecting members, the association and the practice of medicine. Reports on these major issues are now available for download and comment through October 7. All members are welcome to submit commentsonline.

MACRA: As the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) is implemented over the next several years, the CMA will be working hard to ensure it is workable for practicing physicians and improves patient care. The CMA House of Delegates will be discussing various recommendations to guide CMA's policy on this issue.

ACA Changes: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) established a process by which states were given exclusions from specified provisions of the ACA without penalty, known as the Section 1332 Waiver. The intent was to allow states to be inventive in how they delivered care even if the state's methods differed from the federal administration’s vision. Beginning in 2017, states can request a five-year renewable exemption on key coverage provisions within the ACA, including those related to benefits and subsidies, the exchanges, and the individual and employer mandates. The CMA House of Delegates will discuss various recommendations related to a possible Section 1332 waiver for California.

Maintenance of Certification: CMA supports the highest standards for licensure that are based on education, training, experience and ethical criteria. The delegates will discuss various models and proposals regarding maintenance and recertification of specialty board certification, including alternative approaches.

Opioids: The issue of opioid-related misuse, abuse and overdose continues to be a major policy issue at the federal, state and regional levels. The delegates will discuss various strategies and policies that will promote prescribing controlled substances safely and effectively to relieve pain, while simultaneously reducing the risk of prescription medication misuse, addiction and overdose.

Physician Burnout: Recognizing that it is the responsibility of the medical community to identify risk factors for and appropriately respond to signs of physician burnout, the CMA House of Delegates will explore strategies to preserve the physical and mental well-being of physicians.

Five-Year Public Health Plan: For many decades, CMA has taken an active role in championing notable and successful public health policy campaigns that promote healthy practices and behaviors. Continuing its commitment to public health, the CMA House of Delegates will develop a five-year plan that prioritizes strategies to prevent and treat chronic disease and supports healthy and safe communities, focusing on the following areas: adult and childhood obesity, tobacco use, pain, behavior health disorders, violence and infectious disease.

Contact: Michelle Chapanian, (800) 786-4262 or mchapanian@cmadocs.org.