Women's Health
MSDC has long advocated for women's health protections, the rights of women physicians, and affordable care for women's issues. MSDC works closes with ACOG, AAFP, AAP, and other specialty organizations to craft local legislation that allows DC to be the best place to practice women's and maternal medicine.
In the face of a maternal mortality crisis in the District, engagement in these issues is more important than ever. Learn more about how MSDC is working to protect the health of women, mothers, and babies in all wards in the city.
MSDC Statements and Testimony on Women's Health Issues
25th Council information coming soon!
Committee on Health Passes Biosimilars, Pregnancy Coverage Expansions
Today, the Committee on Health passed B23-430, the Access to Biosimilars Amendment Act of 2019, as part of a seven bill and one resolution mark-up.
B23-430 is a "priority support" bill on the MSDC legislative agenda. As introduced, Bill 23-430 authorizes licensed pharmacists to dispense interchangeable biological products, and requires notifications to physicians when such interchangeable biological products are dispensed. The bill will permit physicians and patients to find affordable, effective treatments for many common conditions. MSDC member Dr. Angus Worthing testified in favor of the bill during the fall hearing on the bill.
In addition to the biosimilars bill, the committee advanced two bills that would increase coverage during pregnancy. The first bill, B23-326, the Postpartum Coverage Act of 2019, extends postpartum inpatient and outpatient benefits to at least a year after childbirth. The second bill, B23-584, Pregnancy as a Qualifying Event Act of 2019, requires health insurers to provide a special enrollment period after commencement of a pregnancy. It allows a person to enroll in or change their health insurance outside of the open enrollment period upon pregnancy.
The highest profile bill passed by the committee is B23-777, the New Hospital at St. Elizabeth's Act of 2020. The markup comes the day after a nine-hour hearing on this bill and the new Howard University Hospital bill. MSDC testified at this hearing, as you can see here.
Other bills passed from the committee include:
- B23-0322, Window Blind and Drape Cord Safety Notification Act of 2020
- B23-0546, Interstate Physical Therapy Compact Approval Act of 2020
- B23-0565, Hearing Aid Sales Amendment Act of 2020
- Appointment of Michelle R. Loggins to Committee on Health Approval Resolution of 2020
Sample of Legislation MSDC Followed in Women's Health and Maternal Health
(See the whole list of bills here)
What does the bill do? Extends postpartum inpatient and outpatient benefits to at least one year after childbirth
MSDC position: We support this legislation and the extension of insurance benefits to mothers and babies to help maternal health in the District
Current status: SUCCESS. The bill passed the Council and was signed into law by the Mayor on August 14, 2020.
What does the bill do? The bill prohibits the District government from interfering with patients' reproductive health decisions and prohibits employers from punishing physicians who perform abortions or sterilizations outside of their employment.
MSDC position: We support this legislation as it allows physicians freedom of practice.
Current status: SUCCESS. The bill passed the Committee on Government Operations in January. MSDC submitted testimony at the December hearing, and MSDC member Sara Imershein testified at the hearing. The Council passed the bill and the Mayor signed it into law on March 23, 2020.
What does the bill do? The bill extends coverage for maternal health issues and fertility preservation, creates a Maternal Health Center in the District, and mandates two hours of cultural competence CME for health care providers.
MSDC position: We oppose the bill without changes due to inclusion of mandatory CME and some of the definitions in the bill being medically questionable.
Current status: The bill had a hearing in the Committee on Health in December, with MSDC member Dr. Sara Imershein testifying for MSDC and ACOG.
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