Advocacy
The Medical Society of DC advocates every day for the right and ability of District physicians to practice medicine. We want you to help your patients and their families using your medical knowledge with minimal government interference.
MSDC advocacy happens at many different levels:
- We work with the Council of DC, especially the Committee on Health, to shape legislation to benefit the practice of medicine
- We work with our partners in the District executive branch to ensure health regulations are proactive on public health, protective of physician right to practice, and reasonable on who can practice health care.
- With the American Medical Association and national specialty societies, we lobby Congress and the Administration to ensure national health policy does not negatively impact physicians.
- Partnering with the AMA Litigation Center, we file amicus briefs and legal suits to protect physicians and reasonable health care practices.
Learn more about our work and successes below or using the links in the menu.
Resources for MSDC Advocacy
On December 5, 2022, the MSDC Board approved its advocacy priorities for the 25th Council period. You can see them here.
MSDC has different levels of support for legislation. Learn more about the MSDC Advocacy Rankings.
Learn more about MSDC's Advocacy Curriculum and how you can prepare to advocate for your profession and patients here.
Follow issues along with MSDC on our legislation tracking page seen here.
Learn more about MSDC's advocacy successes in the 24th Council period.
Advocacy Events
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Committee on Health Vaccine Oversight Hearing
January 29, 2021 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Committee on Health will have a hearing on the COVID vaccine rollout. -
Meet the New Councilmember: Christina Henderson
January 13, 2021 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Join MSDC for a special WHOW webinar with new Councilmember Christina Henderson (I-AL) -
UMC/DHCF/Deputy Mayor Oversight Hearing
March 5, 2020 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Committee on Health will hold an oversight hearing on United Medical Center, the Department of Health Care Finance, and the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services.
Advocacy News
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MSDC Commended for Lung Health Work by DC Council
November 8, 2023
Councilmember Brooke Pinto's resolution recognized the need for better lung health care and smoking cessation while praising MSDC's work on these issues.
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You're Not Dreaming - Prior Auth Reform Passes the DC Council
November 7, 2023
The Council passed MSDC-supported comprehensive prior authorization reform legislation for the first time ever.
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MSDC Joins the DC Veterinary Medical Association and Other Health Groups Celebrating One Health Day
November 3, 2023
Every year, the world celebrates One Health Day on November 3rd. This year, the DC Veterinary Medical Association and the Medical Society of DC are collaborating to highlight the value of One Health coordination at the local level, here in Washington, DC.
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MSDC Testifies in Favor of Closing Child Abuse Loophole in Law
November 2, 2023
The LOVE Act would align DC with numerous other states in striking a religious exemption for denying pediatric medical treatment.
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