CMA depends on the expertise of its members to make smart policy choices. Do you have expertise in medical ethics, professional liability, or other topics related to the practice of medicine? If so, you could serve on one of CMA's councils or committees.

The nomination deadline for the 2007-2008 term is May 25. Nominees must be endorsed by their county medical societies. Contact your county medical society for information on the nomination process.

Click here for a nomination form and instructions.

CMA Standing Councils and Committees: Purpose/Responsibilities

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 meets three to four times a year depending upon what issues are before the Council.
Staff: Susan Penney, spenney@cmanet.org

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.
Staff: Roger Purdy, rpurdy@cmanet.org

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 twice a year in person, with telephone conference calls, as needed, to address amended legislation.
Staff: Lance Lewis, llewis@cmanet.org

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 meets one to four times a year depending upon what issues are before the Committee.
Staff: Catherine Hanson, chanson@cmanet.org

Committee on Quality Care
To study, investigate and make recommendations concerning peer review and quality care review activity in California. To coordinate such activity, provide an appeals mechanism, and furnish assistance to the component societies, foundations for medical care, medical review organizations, and health facilities as needed to assure statewide quality care review. To monitor and make recommendations concerning the activities of Lumetra (formerly CMRI), the Medicare peer review organization in California. The Committee meets one to four times a year depending upon what issues are before the Committee.
Staff: Sandra Bressler, sbressler@cmanet.org

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 meets three to four times a year depending upon what issues are before the Committee.
Staff: Susan Penney, spenney@cmanet.org