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District VI Delegation

The California Medical Association House of Delegates, CMA's principal policymaking body, establishes the policies that guide the Association and elects CMA's President-Elect, Speaker and Vice Speaker. The House convenes annually to debate and act on proposals dealing with myriad policy matters concerning medical practice, public health and CMA governance.

Composition of the House of Delegates
The House of Delegates is composed of delegates (most of whom have an alternate delegate) who are elected to represent their peers geographically, by medical specialty or by mode of practice.

As described in CMA's bylaws, county medical societies, specialty societies and mode of practice forums are entitled to a number of delegates determined by a "proportionate representation" formula based on the membership count each December 31.

County medical societies are grouped into 11 geographic districts, with the delegates from the medical societies in each district comprising a district delegation.

Composition of District VI Delegation
Fresno-Madera Medical Society is part of CMA's District VI delegation, comprising thirteen counties and a total of eight component medical societies. In addition to FMMS, District VI represents Kern County Medical Society, Kings County Medical Society, Merced-Mariposa Medical Society, San Joaquin Medical Society, Stanislaus Medical Society, Tulare County Medical Society and Tuolumne County Medical Society.

District VI delegation meets at least once before the Annual Session to consider endorsement of resolutions from within the delegation and to discuss positions on the issues. During each annual meeting of the House ("Annual Session"), District VI Delegation meets daily to review reference committee reports, take positions on key issues and meet with candidates for elected offices. Delegation chairs comprise the Speakers' Advisory Committee, which meets daily during Annual Session and as needed during the year.

Responsibilities of Delegates
The most fundamental responsibility of delegates is to represent their constituents in the House of Delegates by attending and actively participating in delegation caucus meetings and in all sessions of the House. Individual delegations may have their own rules setting forth additional or more specific duties and responsibilities. These may include the following:

  • Communicate CMA policy, information, activities and programs to constituents
  • Relate constituent views to the appropriate CMA leaders, governing body or executive Staff
  • Advocate constituent views within the House of Delegates or other governance unit, including through the introduction of resolutions
  • Report highlights of House of Delegates meetings to constituents (for example, at hospital medical staff, county, state and specialty society meetings)
  • Participate in leadership development opportunities, such as the CMA Leadership Academy

In carrying out their duties, delegates are strongly encouraged to seek the assistance and guidance of their delegation chair and other experienced members of their delegation.

Any member may author a resolution for consideration by the CMA House of Delegates. A resolution can propose new or revised policy on any issue related to CMA's mission or governance. That body of policy or a new resolution can direct CMA to take a position on a particular issue or to take a specific action – for example, to support or oppose legislation. The ability of any individual member to propose a policy or action for consideration by the House of Delegates exemplifies the truly democratic governance of CMA.

For more information, contact:
Ronald L. Morton, MD
Chair, District VI Delegation
Email: RMorton222@aol.com

Resources:
Representing Your Colleague: A Guidebook for Members of the CMA House of Delegates
Writing and Submitting a Resolution
District VI Bylaws
HOD Frequently Asked Questions

 

2009 HOD Reference Committee F: Health Profession and Facilities

Thomas Daglish, M.D.
 
There were 26 resolutions. About twice the usual number.
 
601-09
Proposed supporting legislation requiring the state to explain violation of peer review requirements that posed to be dangerous for patients. It was not adopted as it was already state law and the author’s questions have been answered in a letter from the state.
 
602-09
Proposed changing medical staff bylaws to allow blanket order renewals in limited situations. It was not adopted as it was felt it was a potential risk to patients’ safety.
 
603-09
Was adopted to support the restriction of the use of term physician to M.D. and D.O. and to encourage the members to use the term.
 
605-09
Supported as amended to use multiple factors in assessing a physician’s qualifications to practice as a specialist. 
 
606-09
Not adopted as a proposal that a P.A. must have a physician supervisor also see any new patient or a patient with a new complaint.   It was felt that this is not practical.
 
607-09
Dealt with the requirement to be an M.B.C. consultant. It was referred for study and report back next year.
 
608-09
Amended and substituted for 608-09, 609-09, 610-09 and 611-09.   Stated support for graduate medical education funding, increased slots, and expanded slots and that they are allocated equitably.
 
612-09
Supported extended emphasis on primary care education.
 
 
613-09
Adopted to allow institutions to fund medical education and training in exchange for an agreement to work at that institution for a specified time. This was referred for national action.
 
614-09
Combined with 616-09 was adopted that CMA encourage training in health policy and practice management in medical school curriculum.
 
615-09
Reaffirm policy on loan forgiveness for medical education and to re-evaluate the terms for Steven M. Thompson loan forgiveness program to expand geographic areas.
 
617-09
Adopted as amended to request that CME for allied professionals be specific to the specialty of their supervising physician.
 
619-09
Adopted resolution to oppose American Counsel Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) with five-fold increase in their fees to CME providers.
 
620-09
Adopted for the support of the development and opening of MartinLutherKingHospital in Los Angeles.
 
622-09
Adopted to study privileges for low or no volume physicians to maintain active staff privileges while doing most of the work in surgery centers or outside of the hospital.
 
623-09
Adopted that a member of the medical staff should have access to legal opinions and briefs that were produced on behalf of the executive committee other than for peer review or sensitive matters.
 
625-09
Adopted that CMA evaluate the accreditation standards of Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program and DMV Healthcare are consistent with California State Law.
 
626-09
Adopted as amended a medical staff bylaw regarding medical executive committee accountability in record keeping of actions taken.
 
627-09
Adopted policies related to healthcare facility planning related to influenza outbreaks.
Last Updated Wednesday, November 25, 2009 - 01:20 PM.