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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Prior auth bill introduced but work left to be doneFebruary 16, 2023
DC physicians need to be aware that prior authorization legislation can move quickly, and their voice can be decisive.
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The Prior Authorization Reform Amendment Act of 2023 Introduced by DC CouncilFebruary 8, 2023
This is the second year prior auth supported by MSDC has been introduced, and the legislation has even more momentum this year after last year's work by the physician community.
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MSDC Joins DC Health Associations in MCO Reporting LetterFebruary 8, 2023
The letter seeks more transparency in how the MCOs are implementing key contract metrics to better serve providers and DC residents.
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Join the physician letter asking for a prior auth hearing
February 2, 2023
Urge the Council to hold a hearing this year on prior authorization legislation.
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Annual Report Details a Busy and Successful 2022January 4, 2023
The report details the Society's successes and activities in calendar year 2022, highlighting a busy 12 months of working for the physician community.
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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.