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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Vaccine Rollout, Budget Hearings Offer Opportunities for Physician Advocacy
January 27, 2021
Newly announced hearings offer physicians the opportunity to use their advocacy skills on important issues.
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MSDC Announces Advocacy "Curriculum" for DC Physicians
January 6, 2021
MSDC will have new ways for physicians to build their advocacy skills and advocate for their top issues in 2021 (and beyond).
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MSDC Announces 23rd Council Period Report Card
December 29, 2020
MSDC's increased member advocacy led to major wins for physicians and patients
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MSDC Announces 24th Council Period Advocacy Agenda
December 16, 2020
MSDC launches 24th Council advocacy agenda centered on four priorities.
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MSDC Annual Meeting Sees New President and Special Guests
October 31, 2020
MSDC's annual meeting featured speeches by AMA President Dr. Sue Bailey and Interim Deputy Mayor Dr. Roger Mitchell
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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.