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
You're Not Dreaming - Prior Auth Reform Passes the DC Council
November 7, 2023, is a day DC physicians have wanted to see for a long time. That is because today prior authorization reform has passed the DC Council.
B25-124, the Prior Authorization Reform Amendment Act, passed via the Council's consent agenda at its legislative meeting. With the second vote to pass, the bill is considered passed by the Council and will now go to the Mayor for her signature.
This bill is not perfect and it will not solve every prior auth issue in the District. But when it goes into effect, it will allow DC to join 40 other states who have passed some restrictions on prior authorization.
MSDC thanks Councilmember Brooke Pinto and the other council members who introduced and supported the bill. We also thank MedChi DC, other DC physician organizations, the American Medical Association, DC Hospital Association, DC Primary Care Association, DC Behavioral Health Association, and other healthcare organizations that helped advocate for this legislation.
The bill will now go to the Mayor who will hopefully sign the bill. Once she signs it - or it goes into effect without her signature - the bill will go through a Congressional review period. After that, the legislation can go into effect. We anticipate this will be in the early spring of 2024.
Our advocacy work is not yet done. The legislation applies immediately to private insurers but must be funded to apply to Medicaid. MSDC and partners will continue to push for funding for the bill in the DC budget. MSDC will also seek technical corrections and updates in future bills to adapt to the changing healthcare environment and address if/when insurers avoid the bill's requirements.
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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