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
Advocacy News
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Prior Auth Bill Takes Big Step Towards Becoming Law
October 5, 2023
The Council voted to pass the bill - see what's next for the bill to become law.
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MSDC Board Member Testifies For Free Prostate Cancer Screenings
September 28, 2023
Dr. Winston shows how a physician can influence a healthcare issue for the better by testifying before a Council committee.
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Committee on Health Passes Prior Auth Reform Bill
September 26, 2023
Today marks a major step in passing DC's first bill to completely regulate the prior auth process within the District.
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Report: DC MCO Had 20% Prior Auth Denial Rate
September 7, 2023
A report using 2019 data showed that DC MCOs had high prior auth denial rates but DC lacked enforcement or review.
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