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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District Launches Mental Health Emergency Dispatch ProgramMay 18, 2021
Joining other cities, the District is trialing a program to better serve people in emergencies who need behavioral health attention.
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Health Professional Loan Repayment Program Applications Close April 30April 29, 2021
The HPLRP is a great opportunity for physicians to earn medical school loan repayment while working in an area of DC in need.
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AMA: Insurers Imposed Prior Auth Despite PandemicApril 7, 2021
Despite the world going into triage mode in 2020, an AMA survey found insurance companies still required prior authorization as normal.
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MSDC President Testifies at DHCF Oversight HearingMarch 4, 2021
Dr. Emanuel advocated for better support and reimbursement for physicians as well as funding postpartum care for 12 months.
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MSDC Board of Directors Discusses Equitable Pay in Medicine, Unconscious BiasFebruary 23, 2021
The Board reviewed recommendations and reports on key initiatives including health equity in the medical profession.
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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.