April 2, 2025 | Sacramento, CA — MedLegalNews.com — The CMA bill package, introduced by the California Medical Association (CMA), outlines a series of legislative proposals aimed at tackling key healthcare challenges across the state. The package addresses bureaucratic delays, private equity’s influence in medicine, the regulation of artificial intelligence, and California’s ongoing physician workforce shortage.
Tackling Private Equity’s Influence in Healthcare
CMA President Shannon Udovic-Constant, M.D., emphasized the organization’s commitment to prioritizing patient care over corporate profits.
“We are taking a strong stand against private equity’s profit-driven interference in medicine and pushing to end bureaucratic delays that harm patients. Additionally, our proactive approach to regulating artificial intelligence ensures that technology supports—rather than replaces—physician decision-making.”
One of the most significant proposals is:
- SB 351 (Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, SD 3): This bill gives California’s Attorney General the authority to investigate and act against private equity firms that unlawfully interfere with the patient-physician relationship. The goal is to restore trust in medical decision-making and prevent financial interests from dictating patient care.
Regulating AI in Healthcare
With artificial intelligence becoming more prevalent in medicine, CMA aims to set clear boundaries to ensure AI remains a tool—not a substitute for physicians.
- AB 489 (Asm. Mia Bonta, AD 18): Prohibits companies from marketing AI-powered chatbots or tools as licensed medical professionals, ensuring that patients receive guidance from real healthcare providers.
Addressing California’s Physician Shortage
California’s growing physician shortage has left many residents waiting weeks or months for medical care. CMA’s proposed legislation seeks to expedite physician licensing and reduce regulatory roadblocks.
- AB 967 (Asm. Avelino Valencia, AD 68): Streamlines the licensing process for out-of-state physicians who wish to practice in California, increasing the number of available doctors.
Eliminating Bureaucratic Delays in Patient Care
One of CMA’s most aggressive efforts targets prior authorization delays, which have been linked to serious health risks, including hospitalizations, permanent injury, and even death. The “Prioritizing Patients, Empowering Physicians” bill package includes:
- AB 510 (Asm. Dawn Addis, AD 30): Requires prior authorization appeals to be reviewed by a physician of the same specialty, ensuring medical experts make key decisions.
- AB 539 (Asm. Pilar Schiavo, AD 40): Extends prior authorization validity to one year (up from 60-90 days), reducing unnecessary re-approvals.
- AB 512 (Asm. John Harabedian, AD 41): Reduces health plan response times for urgent cases to 24 hours and non-urgent cases to 48 hours, ensuring faster patient care.
- SB 306 (Sen. Josh Becker, SD 13): Eliminates prior authorization for procedures approved over 90% of the time, reducing paperwork and freeing doctors to focus on patient care.
CMA’s Push for Legislative Action
CMA applauded lawmakers in the Assembly and Senate for supporting pro-patient reforms. These legislative changes aim to strengthen the integrity, accessibility, and efficiency of California’s healthcare system. CMA Introduces 2025 Bill Package
Source: California Medical Association
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FAQs: CMA Bill Package
What is included in the CMA bill package?
The CMA bill package introduces proposals to reduce prior authorization delays, regulate artificial intelligence in healthcare, and curb private equity interference in medical decision-making.
How does the CMA bill package address physician shortages?
It supports faster licensing for out-of-state physicians through AB 967, allowing qualified doctors to begin practicing in California sooner to meet patient demand.
What role does AI regulation play in the CMA bill package?
One key component prevents companies from promoting AI chatbots as licensed medical professionals, protecting patients from misinformation and ensuring clinical oversight.
Why is the CMA bill package important for patients?
This legislative effort prioritizes patient care by streamlining approval processes, strengthening oversight on private equity influence, and ensuring technology enhances—not replaces—physician judgment.