LACMA Medical Students Step Into Advocacy at Leg Day 2025

On April 9, 2025, LACMA student members joined more than 500 future and current physicians from across California for CMA’s Legislative Advocacy Day in Sacramento — stepping into the role of advocate for the very first time.

The day began at the Sheraton Grand with breakfast and registration, followed by powerful briefings from CMA leaders and government affairs staff. Students gained critical insights into key healthcare legislation shaping the practice of medicine and impacting the patients they’ll one day serve.

Following a statewide group photo, attendees made their way to the Capitol Swing Space for meetings with legislators. Students had the opportunity to speak directly with lawmakers about the importance of improving access to care and supporting physician well-being — two central themes reflected in the priority bills discussed, including:

• AB 510 (Addis): Requires health plans to connect appealing providers with a peer of similar specialty.

• AB 512 (Harabedian): Sets stricter timelines for prior authorization responses (24 hours for urgent, 48 for non-urgent).

• AB 539 (Schiavo): Extends the validity of approved prior authorizations to one year.

• SB 306 (Becker): Removes prior authorization requirements for services approved over 90% of the time.

• AB 408 (Berman): Re-establishes the Physician Health and Wellness Program under the Medical Board of California.

With every conversation and connection, one thing became clear: the future of healthcare in Los Angeles will be shaped by the voices of today’s medical students — voices that are informed, passionate, and ready to lead.

Thank you to all who participated, volunteered, and made this day a success. We’ll see you at the Capitol in 2026! SEE ALL THE PHOTOS