CMA Legislative Advocacy Day a Success for SMCMA September 10, 2018 General Opioid More than 500 physicians, medical students, and stakeholders, including a delegation from the SMCMA gathered in Sacramento on April 17 and 18, 2018 to bring the voice of medicine to legislators for the 43rd annual California Medical Association (CMA) Legislative Advocacy Day. The SMCMA delegation comprised of SMCMA President Alex Ding, MD, President-Elect Sara Whitehead, MD, SMCMA Board members, Mike Norris, MD, William Tatomer, MD, and SMCMA Executive Director Keith Darby, began the two days with a dinner with Senators Jerry Hill and Scott Weiner. While the focus of Legislative Advocacy Day this year was opposition to AB 3087 (Kalra), the delegation also discussed pharmacist “gag” orders, regulatory burdens, and physician wellness. These discussions continued the next day as the SMCMA leadership met with Assembly Members Kevin Mullin, Marc Berman, and Phil Ting. “All of our meetings were positive, and our message was well received,” stated SMCMA Executive Director, Keith Darby. “We look forward to building on-going relationships and offering policy assistance for the future of healthcare.” << SMCMA Goes to Washington Painful Lessons: How San Mateo County is Turning the Tide on Opioid Use >>
