CAP has long recognized the importance of being involved in and understanding state politics and legislative dynamics. CAP remains active on multiple fronts to advocate in the best interest of our physician members and their patients.
When Governor Gavin Newsom signed California Assembly Bill 35 (AB 35) into law on May 23, 2022, it opened the door for a likely tremendous surge of medical malpractice litigation—with increasing frequency and cost—after it goes into effect on January 1, 2023.
AB 35 significantly diminishes the important protections provided by MICRA—the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act of 1975. MICRA reigned in out-of-control insurance rates by capping noneconomic damages in medical malpractice lawsuits at $250,000 per plaintiff. This has since ensured patient access to healthcare by helping to keep doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers in practice, and hospitals and clinics open.
AB 35 will pose significant challenges to the medical community as potentially higher healthcare costs will fuel a possible reduction in access to services without any improvement in the quality of care.
Read the full CAP report on the impacts of AB 35.
CAP members have a long tradition of participating in public policy activities impacting their ability to care for patients. Every year, CAP hosts a public affairs symposium featuring a panel of policy and political experts who discuss today’s most pressing healthcare issues at the state and federal level. The program is held virtually to encourage participation from members across the state and to provide information to help them succeed in a complicated regulatory and legislative environment.
Read updates and learn how to contact your local, state, and federal representatives.