LACMA Leaders Descend on Capitol at the 44th Annual Legislative Advocacy Day April 20, 2018 Legislative Advocacy Day 1151 At the California Medical Association's 44th Annual Legislative Advocacy Day on April 18th, approximately 30 LACMA Leaders joined over 600 California physicians, residents and medical students to meet with legislators to share their voice and concern over AB 3087. With a record turnout of physician leaders and a unified voice advocating around the potential negative impact of AB 3087, it was a tremendously successful day at the Capitol. The day kicked off with a briefing delivered by Janus Norman, CMA's Senior Vice President, Centers for Government Relations and Political Operations, regarding the harmful impacts of AB 3087, a bill that was introduced on Monday, April 9, 2018, by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose). Assembly Bill 3087 would establish an undemocratic, government-run commission with nine political appointees who would unilaterally set the price for all medical services that are not already controlled by the government, essentially eliminating commercial healthcare markets in California. None of the political appointees are required to be patient-focused or have any tangible experience in the delivery of healthcare to patients. Leg Day provides a unique opportunity for physician members to go to the Capitol throughout the day to meet with legislators on a variety of healthcare issues affecting communities and healthcare practices throughout the state. With a particularly active year in the legislature, many new bills affecting healthcare were passed, with many new ones on the horizon. But this year was unique with the recent introduction of AB 3087. It was crucial that all attendees delivered a unified and focused message to oppose the bill and educate lawmakers on the dangers of creating a state-sanctioned rationing of healthcare, which would be ineffective in controlling costs and hinder access to healthcare. AB 3087 will be heard in the Assembly Health Committee on April 24. As a physician and member of LACMA and CMA, you have a strong and credible voice that can be used in defeating dangerous legislation that would harm your practice and patients. We must continue to educate our lawmakers on the detrimental consequences of this bill on our healthcare system. You may take action here and contact your legislators directly. Please share this message with your colleagues. See video footage and photos of Leg Day 2018 and mark your calendar for April 2019 to participate!