Opioid Policies

collage

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 Sends Sign-On Letter Opposing Scope Changes

May 2, 2024, 07:25 AM by MSDC staff
The letter, signed by numerous DC physicians, reiterates the physician community's concern with legislation updating the HORA.

 

MSDC sent a physician sign-on letter to Council Chair Phil Mendelson today opposing the scope of practice changes in B25-545.

The letter, seen below, asks the Chair to work with the physician community to remove scope provisions that would replace physicians as the head of the medical care team and provide less, more expensive care to patients.

MSDC and the Physician Voices for Patient Safety have worked hard on this legislation since it was introduced in November and have successfully removed many worrying changes to DC law. However, the bill, which could pass as early as next week, still contains scope changes for APRNs, podiatrists, and other allied health providers.

Physicians interested in taking action on this bill can learn more at msdc.org/scope. MSDC is especially asking physicians to contact the Council today to ask them to remove the scope provisions.

 

Phil Mendelson
Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20004

Dear Chairman Mendelson:

We, the undersigned physicians, urge you to remove any language in B25-545 that expands the scope of practice of allied health providers. 88% of DC physicians oppose the bill (according to a survey conducted by MSDC in March 2024 among physicians licensed to practice in Washington, DC).

Our patients deserve the safest care. A physician is the most highly trained provider on a patient’s care team. Physicians work closely with patients and other medical professionals to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. We take the lead on patient care because physicians have the most extensive medical training of any healthcare professional. Unlike other healthcare professionals, physicians have undergone 11-15 years of education and training after school, including four years of medical school, 3-7 years of residency/fellowship training, and up to 16,000 supervised patient care hours.

B25-545 is a bill to update the statute governing healthcare professionals, but it includes major scope of practice changes for other health professionals. In other states, removing the physician from the care team has led to worse health outcomes to patients and more expensive care for the communities where they live.

This bill is dangerous for patient care and DC residents will be harmed by expanding scope of practice to undertrained practitioners. As a physician licensed in the District, I urge you to remove all new scope of practice changes in B25-545 when you mark up the bill.

Sample of Legislation MSDC Tracked on Opioid and Prescription Policy

 

Access to Biosimilars Amendment Act (B23-430)

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.

Opioid Labeling Amendment Act (B23-535)

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.

Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Insurance Discrimination Amendment Act (B23-36)

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.