California Medical Association (CMA) President Robert E. Wailes, M.D., issued the following statement in response to Gov. Newsom's signing of AB 35, the MICRA Modernization law.

“With today’s signing of AB 35, we have achieved what few thought was possible. This historic moment happened because the two sides of the ballot measure campaign put differences aside, found common ground, and recognized a rare opportunity to protect both our health care delivery system and the rights of injured patients. We are immensely grateful to the Legislature and Governor Newsom for helping to codify this landmark agreement in law.

California’s new modernized MICRA statutes will provide predictability and affordability of medical liability insurance rates for decades to come, while protecting existing safeguards against skyrocketing health care costs. The modernized law will also bring greater accountability, patient safety and trust by making it possible for physicians and patients to have a full and open conversation after an unforeseen outcome. 

CMA is proud to have been part of this landmark achievement for the benefit of all Californians. We look forward to a new era of long-term stability around MICRA that will allow California’s physician and provider communities to focus on other ways to improve access to care and public health for all Californians.”