The SCCMA keeps you up to date on the latest news, policy developments, and events
Monday, March 23, 2026
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted an updated Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage (ABN), Form CMS-R-131 . The form is effective immediately and will expire on March 31, 2029.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
CMA is strongly opposing a proposed statewide ballot initiative that would strip billions of dollars from vital health centers and clinics, inevitably leading to widespread clinic closures and jeopardizing care for millions of vulnerable Californians.
CMA’s physician-led Council on Legislation will meet March 20 to debate and recommend positions on key state bills affecting physicians and patient access to care. The recommendations will help shape CMA’s advocacy priorities as legislation moves through the Capitol this year.
CMA is opposing a proposed statewide ballot initiative that would cap compensation for certain health care executives, warning it could worsen workforce challenges and reduce patient access to care. CMA says the measure fails to address the main drivers of health care costs and could destabilize care delivery systems without improving affordability.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Bipartisan federal legislation has been introduced that would exempt physicians and other health care professionals from a new $100,000 H-1B visa filing fee — a change physician groups say could help ease workforce shortages and protect patient access to care, particularly in underserved communities.
Thousands of medical students in California and across the country are learning where they will train during Match Week — a milestone that plays a critical role in strengthening the state’s future physician workforce.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
DHCS plans to require prescribers to include ICD-10 diagnosis codes on all Medi-Cal pharmacy claims beginning in fall 2026. CMA is concerned the policy could increase administrative burden and create new barriers to timely patient access to medications.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked major changes to federal childhood vaccine recommendations and temporarily blocks recently appointed members of a key federal vaccine advisory panel from serving. Physician organizations say the ruling helps protect science-based immunization policy, insurance coverage for vaccines and patient access to preventive care.
Friday, March 6, 2026
By Friday, March 13, 2026, all CMA accredited CME providers must complete their 2025 annual PARS reporting requirements
CMA is in the process of finalizing our 2026 annual CME accreditation invoices.
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