Senate unanimously passes CMA-sponsored bill to cut prior authorization delays

In a unanimous vote, the California State Senate has passed SB 306 (Becker)—the Defending Physicians Decisions Act, a California Medical Association (CMA)-sponsored bill aimed at eliminating unnecessary delays to patient care caused by routine prior authorization requirements.

Authored by Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), SB 306 tackles one of the most persistent administrative barriers in health care by removing prior authorization for services that health plans approved at least 90% of the time over the previous year. More...

Thriving Practice podcast spotlights MedWay, a new administrative support solution for independent practices

David Ford, CEO of CMA Physician Services (CMA PSO), was recently featured on the Thriving Practice podcast to discuss MedWay – a new administrative solution supporting independent physician practices. The episode, "Independent Practice Isn't Dead: How Physicians Can Thrive Outside Big Healthcare," delved into how MedWay can help reshape the administrative landscape for independent practices across California.

In the episode, Ford discussed the mounting challenges faced by independent physicians—from staffing and compliance burdens to burnout—and how MedWay, CMA PSO’s newest initiative, aims to address them. More...

Download CAP’s Updated HR Manual to Stay Ahead of HR Challenges

CAP is providing an essential practice management resource, the Human Resources Manual for Medical Practices, to all California medical practices at no cost. Updated with the most recent state and federal labor laws, this comprehensive HR Manual is a must-have for practices of all sizes to help simplify HR policies and procedures, remain compliant, and reduce your chances of employment-related lawsuits. Download It Now

Even if you have downloaded CAP's HR Manual in the past, it is crucial to use the latest version, as laws change frequently. The Human Resources Manual for Medical Practices is available in a Word format and includes separate handbooks for employees and managers.

The Employee Handbook includes:

•             Updated California laws on leaves of absence, breaks, and time off

•             Policies regarding wages, timekeeping, and employee classification

•             Expectations for attendance, punctuality, and work assignments

•             Policies for social media, communications, technology, and HIPAA

•             And so much more

The Manager's Handbook includes:

•             Extensive lists of forms and templates for employee hiring, performance, and termination

•             Guidance for hiring, goal setting, and monitoring

•             Information on compensation

•             Recommendations for proper onboarding

•             And much more

This year, The Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP) is proud to celebrate 50 years of delivering exceptional medical malpractice coverage and a wide array of risk management and practice management benefits, such as these free resources, to help California physicians run safe and successful practices.

To learn more about becoming a CAP member, please email MD@CAPphysicians.com or call 800-356-5672. Request an Instant Quote today to see how much you can save on medical malpractice coverage as a member of CAP.

Medical professional liability coverage is provided to CAP members through the Mutual Protection Trust (MPT), an unincorporated interindemnity arrangement organized under Section 1280.7 of the California Insurance Code.

Senate takes up controversial federal spending bill with deep health care cuts

In a razor-thin 215–214 vote, the U.S. House of Representatives last week passed HR 1, advancing President Trump’s flagship budget reconciliation package – dubbed by some the “Big Beautiful Bill.” All California Republicans supported the measure, while all California Democrats voted in opposition. The bill now moves to the Senate, where significant changes are expected.

The California Medical Association (CMA) remains strongly opposed to the bill and has mobilized against it, citing the dire threat it poses to health coverage for millions of Americans. CMA has submitted formal letters to both the California Congressional Delegation and the House Energy and Commerce Committee outlining the organization’s concerns. More...

CMS expands MIPS hardship exemptions for cost category and administrative claims measures

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently opened the 2025 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances (EUC) Exception and Promoting Interoperability (PI) Hardship Exception applications. Notably, CMS has expanded eligibility criteria to allow exemptions from the Cost performance category and administrative claims-based measures, providing significant relief for practices facing operational disruptions for an extended period, for example due to a cyberattack.

Individual clinicians, groups and virtual groups can submit a MIPS EUC exception application for one or more MIPS performance category (quality, cost, improvement activities, and Promoting Interoperability) due to extreme and uncontrollable circumstances for the 2025 MIPS performance period now through Dec. 31, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time.  More...

Proposals on Medicaid, CHIP, ACA coverage raise deep concerns

In the big picture of health care policy, it is impossible to overstate how profoundly Medicare and Medicaid have contributed to the health, safety and security of our nation in the 60 years since they became law. Medicare, Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace coverage are now cornerstones of our U.S. health care system, ensuring that everyone can access health care without fearing whether they can afford it. More...

Nearly 55% of physicians feel valued by their organization

Feeling valued goes beyond formal recognition. It reflects a culture where voices are heard, contributions are acknowledged, and support is more than just a buzzword. As health systems continue to navigate complex challenges, from staffing shortages to rising patient demands, fostering a workplace where physicians feel genuinely appreciated may be the key to keeping them engaged, motivated and well. The good news is that physicians and other health professionals across the country are reporting a growing sense of feeling valued by their organizations, according to exclusive survey data from the AMA. More...

When residency program signals matter-and when they probably don't

A relatively new aspect of a medical student’s physician residency application—program signaling, a system that allows applicants to indicate interest in a limited number of programs—has quickly become a key factor in the residency-selection process. 

According to a 2024 survey from the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), nearly 80% of responding program directors from specialties in which signaling was available said signals affected how they screen applications—and 70% said signals influence who gets an interview. More...

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