CMA STANDING COUNCILS & COMMITTEES

PURPOSE / RESPONSIBILITIES

Recommendations for appointments to be made by the Committee on Nominations.

Council on Ethical Affairs
To study and make recommendations concerning evolving scientific, technological, social and philosophical trends and issues which are of immediate or long-term concern to the medical profession, with emphasis on medical ethics, bio-ethics and attendant areas. The Council generally meets via conference call one to four times a year depending upon what issues are before the Council.

Council on Information Technology
To continuously evaluate and make recommendations regarding the strategic use of information technology within both CMA and the health care system. The Council generally meets via conference call one to four times a year depending upon what issues are before the Council.

Council on Judicial Affairs
The Council on Judicial Affairs functions as an appellate body for the purpose of hearing and deciding appeals of disciplinary actions taken by component medical societies. Although it has not met for several years, the Council is appointed to “stand by” in the event that an appeal is brought forward; consequently, the Council is convened on an “as needed” basis.

Council on Legislation
To formulate policy recommendations to the Board of Trustees regarding sponsored legislation or positions on anticipated major legislation affecting physicians. The Council generally meets once a year in person.

Committee on Medical Services
Committee is the singular organizational entity dealing with practice issues.
To investigate and make recommendations on methods by which medical services are organized, financed and delivered in both the private and public sectors. To maintain liaison with the health insurance industry, including county, state and federal governments, and serve as a forum for discussion and problem solving of issues of mutual concern. To influence the structure and responsiveness of private and public third‑party payment systems in providing reimbursement to physicians. To advocate on behalf of physicians and provide advice concerning the uninsured, county health care programs, the Medi-Cal and Medicare programs (including their transition to managed care) and insurance carriers. The Committee generally meets via conference one to four times a year depending upon what issues are before the Committee.

Committee on Professional Liability
To identify, review, and make appropriate policy recommendations on all issues related to physicians’ civil liability for professional conduct, including indemnification and operation of the civil liability system. The Committee generally meets via conference call one to four times a year depending upon what issues are before the Committee.