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!
DC Health Care Finance Announces EHR Incentive Program Now Open
Today the Department of Health Care Finance announced its opening of Program Year 2020 for the DC Medicaid Promoting Interoperability Program.
The announcement can be seen here. DHCF will accept attestation from eligible providers until March 15, 20201. Eligible providers include:
- Licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, CNMs, or dentists; who
- Maintain a Medicaid patient volume threshold of 30% (20% for pediatricians); and
- Have already received a Medicaid EHR incentive payment from DC or another state.
DHCF is also working with eHealthDC to offer free technical assistance to eligible providers to help them meet incentive payment requirements. MSDC supported funding for this program in the District budget as we have heard from our members that the fund is critical to serving their patients.
If you would like more information on whether you qualify for incentive payments or free
technical assistance, please contact eHealthDC at contact@e-healthdc.org. You may also call or submit a request for assistance at www.e-healthdc.org
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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