Important Issues

MSDC attended the DC Board of Medicine’s in-person open session meeting today. The meeting took place at DC Health’s new headquarters, located in Ward 8 at 2201 Shannon Pl SE, Washington, DC 20020.  The meeting addressed government relations, licensure, and other physician matters. According to the current licensure census, there are currently over 13,000 physicians (MD and DO) licensed in the District of Columbia.

Topics of physician interest

• The DC scope expansion bill, or HORA, the Health Occupations Revision Act, will have its second and final vote on May 7. MSDC reiterated its strong concerns about the current iteration of the bill, which you can read about here. MSDC highlighted patient safety concerns and will continue to vigorously voice patient and physician concerns with the Board of Medicine and other stakeholders. Physicians are invited to join MSDC’s sign-on letter and to participate in MSDC’s ongoing advocacy.
• The Department of Health had its budget oversight hearings on April 11. Among the programs that will move forward is funding for professional loan repayment. 
• The DC Council is considering a bill, the Firearm Injury Prevention Amendment Act, which includes a continuing education requirement for physicians and other medical professionals. MSDC is strongly opposed to all content-specific CME mandates and opposes this bill.
• Physicians are reminded that this is a license renewal year, and all DC physician licenses expire December 31, 2024.  The Board of Medicine has not yet finalized the public health priority topics for this cycle. MSDC will keep members updated on CME and other requirements and will stand ready to provide individual assistance.  
• MSDC discussed the Gender Equity Task Force’s compensation survey to evaluate gender pay equity among physicians in Washington, D.C. MSDC’s survey will be released in May and all physicians are encouraged to participate given the importance of diversity and equity in ensuring a sustainable workforce. Please be on the lookout so that MSDC can have a representative sample.
• The Board of Medicine has multiple vacancies for physician members. Interested members should note that the residency requirement for serving on the Board of Medicine has been modified. MSDC encourages any members who are interested to contact Robert Hay at hay@msdc.org.