What to Know About the DC Scope of Practice Expansion Bill

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.

What to Know About the DC Scope of Practice Expansion Bill

Apr 9, 2024, 15:53 PM by MSDC Staff

Physicians need to act now to stop scope expansion in DC. We tell you how.

The Medical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC) is the leading voice for physicians in Washington, DC, committed to uniting physicians to advocate for physician-led health care in Washington, DC that protects patients from harm and increases access to quality care. MSDC is leading a coalition of Washington, DC specialty medical societies to advocate against the Health Occupations Revisions General Amendment Act of 2023.

MSDC has long advocated that a physician is the most qualified professional at the head of a care team. Physicians have the most health education and pre-practice experience of any health professional, and thus must be involved in all but the most mundane health care decisions. Allied health professionals are a valuable part of the care team, but their medical education and experience limits their role.

Specifically, we are asking for the following changes to the proposed bill:

Do not expand the type of health care professionals allowed to prescribe narcotics in light of the ongoing opioid crisis in the District.
Do not allow podiatrists to apply anesthesia.
Do not allow pharmacists to order and interpret lab testing without physician supervision because they do not have the proper training to do so independently.
Do not allow allied health professionals to administer anesthesia without physician supervision since only physicians have the proper amount of training to do so independently.
Do not allow athletic trainers to “practice medicine” beyond administering first aid.
Do not expand chiropractic care to include “primary medical care” currently reserved for physicians because they lack the proper training to do so independently.
Do not allow physical therapists to order radiologic imaging without physician supervision because they lack the proper training to do so independently.
Do not remove the current restrictions on scope of practice for allied health nurses because their level of training does not match that of physicians.

What are the next steps with the bill?

The DC Council will consider the bill in May.

What can I do about the bill?

We urge physicians licensed in Washington, DC to contact the Mayor’s Office and DC Council to express any concerns they may have on the proposed expansion to scope of practice for allied health professionals in the bill as a misguided risk to their health.

Click here to send an individual letter today.

Visit our coalition page to learn more.

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.