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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Mayor Bowser Issues Emergency Order Addressing MedStar's MCO StatusSeptember 3, 2021
MSDC joins letter with DC Hospital Association, DC Primary Care Association, DC Behavioral Health Association, and DC Health Care Association urging Council and Mayor to create long-term solution.
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JAMA Surgery - Female Surgeons Face Higher Risk of Infertility, Pregnancy ComplicationsAugust 2, 2021
The new study of 850 surgeons showed 42% of female surgeons suffered pregnancy loss and half experiencing major complications.
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DC Releases Post-COVID Healthcare ReportJuly 26, 2021
The report - dated May 2021 - outlines recommendations to improve the healthcare sector based on the public health emergency.
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MSDC Calls for Fee Reduction, Wellbeing Resources in District BudgetJune 14, 2021
Dr. Emanuel thanked the District for proposed HPLRP funding and suggested ways to support physicians within the budget.
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DC Health Opens New Healthcare Loan Reimbursement Application CycleJune 9, 2021
The Health Professionals Loan Repayment Program is looking for OB/GYNs and psychiatrists to practice in Wards 7 and 8
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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.