HOD Updates: Revised Major Issue Reports Posted, New Delegation Orientation and Friday AI Panel

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.

Revised Major Issue Reports Now Available

The revised Major Issue reports are available to download on the CMA website. The early amendment portal has been opened; please submit any early amendments here. Early amendments can be submitted through the online portal until Wednesday, October 23, at 11:59 p.m. Extracted recommendations will be removed from the consent calendar and discussed during HOD. Please note: If you submit an amendment to a recommendation, you do not also need to extract that item. You may also extract an item to be discussed at House of Delegates without submitting an early amendment. Both extractions and amendments may be made at the meeting in Sacramento.

Engagement Timeline

• Oct. 16: Revised major issue reports are posted. Early extractions and amendment portals are open for actionable reports. 
• Oct. 22: All are invited to attend our virtual New Delegate Orientation from 6:30-7:30 p.m. We strongly encourage new members to attend and suggest that returning members participate as a "refresher" from time to time.
• Oct. 23: We will accept early amendments online through this date. Further amendments may be submitted in-person once HOD officially convenes. 

Friday Panel:  AI – Fact and Fiction

This panel brings together experts from Kaiser Permanente, Vituity and Cedars-Sinai for an engaging 90-minute dialogue. Learn about the opportunities, challenges, and myths of AI in health care, and gain insights into the future landscape of this technology in medicine. Moderated by CMA Vice President of Health Information Technology David Ford, presenters include Steven Wang, M.D., and Christopher Libby, M.D. Sponsored by Sutter Health. This panel will take place Friday, Oct. 25, from 4:30 to 6 pm. at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, Meeting Room 9.

Help Take Action on Prop 35!

HOD attendees have the chance to take part in a historic action to support Prop 35! We are aiming to text 1 million California voters to get them to vote YES! Please come prepared by downloading the Outreach Circle app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then create an account (only name and email needed). Campaign texts will NOT use your personal phone number, plus we will have prizes for our top three texters throughout the weekend! Keep an eye out for more details on how to get involved in the final push before Election Day to make a historic investment in Medi-Cal.

REQUIRED: Acknowledgement of CMA’s Policies on Professionalism

This year, we are requiring all attendees (including delegates, staff and guests) to acknowledge CMA’s Policies on Professionalism prior to receiving a name badge. To help expedite this process, we have added all Delegates and Alternates into our expected attendee list. Click here now to view and acknowledge the policies. Guests and emergency additions have been added to the list and are able to acknowledge policy.

House of Delegates Schedule/Location

The latest version of our Schedule of Events and Agenda are posted on the HOD website, which 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. While most events will take place in the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center (Ballroom B and Foyer), some meetings will be hosted at the nearby Hyatt Regency Hotel. Click here to see our events map.

Sessions for the 2024 HOD are scheduled as follows:

• 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)

Because HOD starts bright and early on Saturday, and because it is required to check-in at our registration counter before participating, we strongly encourage all members to check-in on Friday afternoon. Also happening on Friday:

• 3–7 p.m.: HOD Registration and Exhibit Hall open. Free headshots are available, so consider bringing your white coat. 

• 4–6 p.m.: Welcome Reception

• 4:30–6 p.m.: Discussion Panel: AI – Fact and Fiction

Download the CMADocs App

For the latest schedule, speaker information and reports, please download the CMADocs app today! You can download documents, see the weekend's complete list of events, message your colleagues and much more. Visit cmadocs.org/app to download, then log into CMADocs! You will also be eligible to enter a special prize drawing.

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 reservations are required for planning purposes as spaces are limited. Thanks to The Doctors Company for sponsoring this service!

Presidential Gala Tickets Are Sold Out!

Tickets for the annual Presidential Gala are sold out! 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 be added to our waiting list for tickets, please contact Jennifer Moller.

See You in Sacramento! 

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!