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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MSDC Recommends to Mayor Bowser Health Improvements for Re-Open Plan
May 28, 2020
MSDC made a set of recommendations to the Mayor on how to protect the health of residents during the re-open DC plan.
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Mayor Announces FY21 Budget (Updated)
May 25, 2020
Today Mayor Bowser unveiled her budget for fiscal year 2021, as well as announced updates to the fiscal year 2020 budget.
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Re-Open DC Advisory Group Issues Recommendations on Path Forward for District
May 21, 2020
The Mayor's Re-Open DC Advisory Group issued its report on how to safely resume life in the District, including permanent telehealth expansion.
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Council Advances Additional Liability Protections for Physicians
May 20, 2020
The Council's latest COVID-19 legislation included language opening the door to wider protections for physicians on medical decisions.
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