Keeping You Connected

The SCCMA keeps you up to date on the latest news,
policy developments, and events

Local News

rss

CDPH Warns Californians About the Dangers of Xylazine

In response to the increase of xylazine in the illegal drug supply in the U.S., the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a letter to healthcare facilities and providers outlining the risks and warning signs of exposure, as well as patient care recommendations. Click HERE for the full article link. On April 12, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration designated fentanyl adulterated or associated with xylazine as an emerging threat to the U.S. Xylazine is an FDA approved veterinary sedative but is not approved for use in humans. Xylazine can be found ...

Highlights from Annual Meeting and Ratification of 2024 Officers

On November 14, the Santa Clara County Medical Association (SCCMA) hosted the Annual Meeting and Ratification of 2024 officers over Zoom. Guest Speaker, Immediate Past President of the California Medical Association (CMA), Donaldo Hernandez, MD, presented CMA efforts to change healthcare policy this past year and the future of healthcare. SCCMA President, Anlin Xu, MD summarized programs and events organized by the Association as well as Advocacy efforts from our membership.  Marc Chow, the new CEO/Executive Director of SCCMA, made his first address to the Association Recording will be available soon! 

Fossil Fuel Pollution and Climate Chance Web Event from NEJM

Event: Fossil Fuel Pollution and Climate Change Date: November 16, 2023  Time: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM   As the burning of fossil fuels continues to cause health hazards like air pollution, it is also the primary driver of the climate crisis. The health care sector has a responsibility to urgently respond to the accelerating impacts of record temperatures, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels that are contributing to a full-fledged public health crisis across the globe. This new reality prompts crucial questions for clinicians and health care leaders as to how to ...

URGENT! Contact your Member of Congress immediately to cancel the Medicare payment cut!

Congress has decided to include any year-end Medicare payment issues in its must-pass bill to keep the federal government operating. Congress must pass this legislation by November 17 to avoid a government shutdown. Therefore, we must act now to demand positive changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2024.  Due to budget neutrality rules, the 2024 fee schedule includes a harmful 3.4% payment cut that will take effect if Congress does not act. With an expected 4.6% rise in health care inflation this year, the cut will be devastating for physician practices ...

SCCMA Past President is Installed as CMA's 155th President

November 5, 2023 - Redwood City OBGYN Tanya W. Spirtos, MD, installed as CMA's 155th President  Redwood City ob-gyn Tanya W. Spirtos, M.D., today was installed as the 155th president of the California Medical Association (CMA) – only the fourth woman to hold that position – at the close of association’s annual House of Delegates meeting. “Serving an organization that represents the very heart of our states health care community, is a role that I take on with a deep sense of gratitude and humility,” Dr. Spirtos said in her address to ...