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
Join the MSDC Prior Auth Sign-On Letter
MSDC wants to make it clear - a hearing on prior authorization is excellent, but it is not the end. The hearing must lead to meaningful reform via legislation being marked up and sent to the Council.
That's why MSDC is asking physicians, practices, and organizations to join our letter. The letter does two things - it thanks the committee for holding the hearing and urges a quick mark-up of the bill. The sooner the bill works its way through DC's long legislative process, the quicker reform can be enacted.
The text of the letter is below and on the sign-up form.
The deadline to sign the letter is May 19 by 5 PM ET. That will allow us to deliver the letter to the committee before the hearing.
Physicians and supporters are encouraged to testify at the hearing for B25-124 on May 24. Those interested in learning more or seeking assistance from MSDC can contact hay@msdc.org or call 202-466-1800.
Sign on to letter
May 23, 2023
The Honorable Christina Henderson
Chair, Committee on Health
Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington DC 20004
Dear Chair Henderson,
We, the undersigned
physicians and healthcare professionals, thank you for holding a hearing on B25-124, the Prior Authorization Reform Act. At the hearing, you will hear numerous stories of how prior authorization is harming patient care, driving up health care costs,
and burning out physicians and providers. For these reasons, we urge your committee to mark up this legislation as soon as possible and send it to the full Council.
A recent American Medical Association (AMA) physician survey on prior auth
showed that:
• 93% of physicians report care delays because of prior authorization.
• 80% of physicians report that prior authorizations can at least sometimes lead to treatment abandonment.
• 1/3rd of surveyed physicians
report a prior authorization led to a serious adverse event for a patient
• Physicians and staff spend almost 2 business days (14 hours) each week completing prior authorizations.
We thank you for holding a hearing on this bill
because you and your colleagues need to hear our stories about how prior authorizations negatively impact physicians and medical practices across the District. After the hearing, we ask you to work as quickly as possible to markup the bill so DC can
join 40 other states in reforming the prior authorization process.
Sincerely,
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.