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

Big Picture Thinkers Needed for New Public Health Task Force

Oct 11, 2023, 08:47 AM by MSDC staff

The newest MSDC task force will look ahead to help MSDC prepare now for future challenges.

Do you spend your spare minutes concerned about the next set of public health issues? Do you worry DC will not be ready for the next pandemic, epidemic, or ignored health crisis? Do you want to speak with key health leaders and help craft a plan to prepare DC medicine for what's coming next? MSDC has a new opportunity for you.

At its September meeting, the MSDC Board of Directors created a new Public Health Task Force. Over the next nine months, this group will think through and share the major public health issues that will shape society in the coming years.

We are seeking a few physician volunteers who can dedicate about 2-3 hours a month on this important effort. More information is below.

What is the PHTF?
The Public Health Task Force (PHTF) was created by the MSDC Board of Directors to look into the future and identify healthcare trends and issues that the Society can begin to address now. Its work includes:

Interviewing key DC health policy leaders and health influentials.
Overseeing any public health grants or projects MSDC receives in 2023-2024.
Analyzing and recommending action based on what it hears in interactions with officials.

What is the time commitment?
The task force will meet no more than once a month, if that, and its work will conclude by June 2024. The first meeting would be in November or December 2023. Task Force members may also participate in interviews and conversations with stakeholders if their schedule permits. Meetings will be done via Microsoft Teams. Projects and tasks will be monitored using project management software like Asana.

Who is on the task force?
The task force will be composed of 7-10 MSDC voting members, with an emphasis on those in primary care, as well as a representative from the District government and non-MSDC member policy experts. MSDC Treasurer Dr. Tu is the Chair.

How do I learn more or agree to join the task force?
Email Robert Hay at hay@msdc.org. We are aiming to have this task force operational by the MSDC annual meeting on October 27.

Sample of Legislation MSDC is Tracking in Behavioral Health

(see the whole list of bills here)

Suicide Prevention Continuing Education Amendment Act of 2019 (B23-543)

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.