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
Now That the X-Waiver is Gone, More Prescribers Can Provide Lifesaving Care
Content provided by MSDC Corporate Partner, The District Addiction Consultation Service (DACS). For more information from a physician perspective, see the AMA's website.
In 2021, the District of Columbia had the highest rate of drug overdose fatalities in the country. The age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths in DC was 86.9 per 100,000 population, more than 150% higher than the national rate of 34.3. Of these deaths, 66.8% had at least one potential opportunity for intervention. Opioids were involved in 81.9% of overdose deaths.
Healthcare practitioners play a critical role in reducing drug-related morbidity and mortality. Offering services for patients with substance use disorders or who use drugs in primary and specialty care settings can increase access to treatment, particularly for underserved and marginalized populations. Recent legislation has made it easier for all prescribers to provide life-saving treatment for opioid use disorder.
On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) 2023 that included the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Acts. The bills were passed to expand access to and enhance substance use care across healthcare settings.
According to SAMHSA and the DEA:
- Effective immediately: The MAT Act removes the waiver requirement to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. “All practitioners who have a current DEA registration that includes Schedule III authority, may now prescribe buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder in their practice if permitted by applicable state law and SAMHSA encourages them to do so.”
- Effective June 27, 2023: New or renewing DEA registrants will be required to have 8 hours of training on opioid or other substance use through an accredited source.
The removal of the x-waiver makes it easier for prescribers to provide life-saving treatment for opioid use disorder. The District Addiction Consultation Service (DACS) is monitoring and compiling guidance from state and federal agencies about these changes. DC prescribers can access the DACS team of addiction medicine experts for consultation, resources, and training to support in providing substance use services such as buprenorphine.
If you are hesitant to prescribe buprenorphine or have questions about substance use care, visit our website for more information and call 1-866-337-DACS with questions.
Data source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS). Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC; [2023 March 16]. Access at: https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/fatal/dashboard
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.