Health Equity

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Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

 

The Prior Authorization Reform Amendment Act of 2023 Introduced by DC Council

Feb 8, 2023, 09:24 AM by MSDC Staff
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.

 

On February 7, Councilmember Brooke Pinto introduced The Prior Authorization Reform Amendment Act of 2023. Based on last year's legislation introduced by then-Councilmember Mary Cheh, the bill borrows heavily from the American Medical Association's model legislation that incorporates best practices from across the country.

In her office's release on the legislation, the Councilmember said, "No District resident should suffer or have their condition worsened because of unreasonable delays from their health insurance. This legislation regulates and holds health insurers accountable so DC residents can receive needed medical care in consultation with their health care provider in a timely manner.”

The legislation was co-introduced by Health Committee Chair Christina Henderson, Hospital and Health Equity Committee Chair Vincent Gray, Councilmember Charles Allen, Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, Councilmember Anita Bonds, Councilmember Robert White, and Councilmember Trayon White.

According to the press release, the “Prior Authorization Reform Amendment Act of 2023” will:

  • Set explicit, reasonable timelines for insurers to respond to prior authorization requests and appeals. Lay out the qualifications of personnel who make these determinations;
  • Clarify how insurers are to make information on prior authorization determinations available to patients and their medical providers and require that insurers accept and use a standardized method for submission and review of prior authorization requests; 
  • Prohibit insurers from requiring prior authorization for treatment based solely on cost;
  • Require insurers honor a prior authorization granted to an enrollee from a previous insurer for at least the initial 60 days of an enrollee’s coverage under a new health plan;
  • Require that employers provide timely notice to employees of medications and treatments covered under their insurer’s standard health benefit plan, but not covered under the negotiated terms of the employer’s bespoke plan.

There will be much more to come on this issue, but physicians and providers interested in learning more can visit msdc.org/prior auth or contact us at 2O2-466-18OO / hay [at] msdc.org

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Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked 

 

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.