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
MSDC Board Meets with DHCF Chief Medical Officer
As part of the Society's continued collaboration with the District government, the Board of Directors invited Dr. Chimene Liburd, the new Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF), to present at our June Directors' meeting.
Dr. Liburd spoke with the Board about DHCF's management structure, her goals for working with healthcare stakeholders, and department goals that will impact the healthcare community. The Board and Dr. Liburd had a robust discussion on shared priorities as well as pain points for the physician community with Medicaid. The conversation continues a great working relationship between DHCF and MSDC.
In addition to this presentation, the Board on Monday:
- Approved a new "fast track to leadership" plan to help medical students and residents prepare for future leadership opportunities in organized medicine.
- Accepted the final report of the Public Health Task Force and thanked it for its work.
- Approved the date (November 1) and location (coming soon) for the 2024 annual meeting of members.
- Agreed to contract with the Rhode Island Medical Society to staff the Physician Health Program.
The next Board of Directors meeting is September 16 at MSDC's offices.
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.