Behavioral Health
Behavioral health is a major public health issue in the District of Columbia. Sadly, many of the legislative and regulatory initiatives around behavioral health are tied to other public health concerns, such as opioid addiction, maternal mortality, and health equity.
In partnership with the Washington Psychiatric Society, AMA, and American Psychiatric Association (APA), MSDC works to ensure that patients receive appropriate support for behavioral health issues, that the practice of psychiatry is supported in the District, and that psychiatrists are available to patients in the District.
MSDC was a proud supporter of the Behavioral Health Parity Act of 2017, which enshrined into law that all health plans offered by an insurance carrier meet federal requirements of the Wellstone/Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008.
MSDC Statements and Testimony of Behavioral Health Issues
25th Council period information coming soon
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MSDC Board Looks Back on Productive Past and Ahead to Bright FutureDecember 14, 2021
The MSDC Board met for the last time in 2021 to meet with special guests and plan for the upcoming year.
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Studies: Childcare Concerns Driving Burnout in Female PhysiciansNovember 17, 2021
Two new studies confirm that childcare responsibilities during the pandemic have driven burnout among physicians, especially women physicians.
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AMA Study Shows Lack of Health Insurance Competition in U.S.September 29, 2021
DC actually has one of the most competitive state-level marketplaces, which speaks to the lack of competition at every level.
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AMA Report: Sharp Decreases in Opioid Prescribing and Increases in Drug-Related Overdose and DeathSeptember 21, 2021
MSDC and the AMA lay out a series of recommendations to combat the epidemic of drug-related overdoses and deaths.
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MSDC Recognizes National Physician Suicide Awareness DaySeptember 17, 2021
The Medical Society of the District of Columbia is committed to raising awareness of the physician suicide epidemic.
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Sample of Legislation MSDC is Tracking in Behavioral Health
(see the whole list of bills here)
What does it do? The bill requires licensed health providers to complete 2 hours of CME on suicide prevention, assessment, and screening.
MSDC position: MSDC opposes the bill as written as the language does not encourage physician wellbeing or sufficient awareness of suicide prevention.
Current status: The bill had a hearing with the Committee on Health on June 10.