Opioid Policies
Much like the rest of the United States, residents of the District of Columbia are struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) rate increases and high rates of opioid-related deaths. Unfortunately, these are multi-faceted issues that require year-long initiatives and systematic programs to address the myriad causes of addiction.
MSDC stands as a partner to the District government and private entities to help arrest the rates of opioid and substance abuse in the District. Through our advocacy for better prescribing practices, education on addiction, and even helping our own community through our Physician Health Program, MSDC is working to make DC a leader in reducing SUD, OUD, and addiction.
On a related note, MSDC is passionate about helping patients make prescriptions and medication more affordable. Whether expanding access to biosimilars or advocating for more affordable co-pays, MSDC wants to help our patients afford the medications they need.
MSDC Statement and Testimony on Opioid and Prescription Issues
25th Council information coming soon
MSDC Board of Directors Discusses Equitable Pay in Medicine, Unconscious Bias
The MSDC Board of Directors held wide-ranging discussing on major equity issues in medicine at its first Board meeting of 2021.
The Board welcomed new member Matthew Lecuyer, MD, an emergency pediatric medicine physician at Children's National Hospital. Dr. Lecuyer is an alternate delegate for the MSDC American Medical Association delegation and join EW Emanuel, MD as one of MSDC's two new alternates.
The Board heard a presentation by the American Medical Women's Association on "Addressing Gender Based Pay Disparities in the Medical Community". DC native Medha Reddy, a first year medical student and AMWA volunteer, discussed how MSDC could be involved in the movement for equitable pay in the medical community. The Board engaged in the discussion and asked Ms. Reddy to work with the Women in Medicine Section to plan next steps and recommendations on this ask.
The Board also heard updates on two of its major initiatives. Unconscious Bias in DC Medicine Task Force Chair Dr. Lecuyer shared the executive summary of the Task Force's paper and walked through high-level analysis of their data [n.b. receive a summary at the March 10 webinar on the task force's work]. Dr. Emanuel also shared analysis of the Membership Task Force's survey data and implications for a potential new membership model.
The Board also took the following actions, among others:
- Renamed the PLAN Committee as the Advocacy Committee
- Adopted the Investment Policy Statement for 2021
- Approved the Awards Committee's recommendation for 2020 MSDC award winners
- Approved the creation of an Industry Committee
The next MSDC Board meeting is April 19, 2021.
Sample of Legislation MSDC Tracked on Opioid and Prescription Policy
What does it do? The bill authorizes licensed pahrmacists to dispense interchangeable biological products and requires notifications to physicians when such interchangeables are dispensed.
MSDC position: MSDC has a position of priority support on this legislation, identifying its passage as one of its highest legislative priorities.
Current status: SUCCESS. The bill was passed by the Council and signed by the Mayor.
What does it do? The bill requires prescription opioid medications to include a statement that the drug is an opioid and opioids may cause dependence, addiction, or overdoes.
MSDC position: MSDC supports the legislation.
Current status: The bill had a hearing before the Committee on Health on July 29, 2020. MSDC leader Dr. Sam Kareff testified for the Medical Society. It passed the Council on November 10 and was signed by the Mayor December 7.
What does it do? The bill prohibits insurance companies from factoring the use of PreP in decisions related to disability, life, or long-term care policies.
MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation
Current status: The bill was introduced on January 8, 2019 and assigned to the Committee on Business and Economic Development.
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