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!
Five easy ways in May to reduce prior auths in DC
May is a HUGE month in the fight to reduce the prior auth burden in DC. Imagine a world with fewer insurance denials and when prior authorizations happen, they are more targeted and medically sound.
Fantasy? Not if you take a few minutes this month to do one or more of the following
- Testify on May 24 at the prior authorization bill hearing. It's easy and convenient. The hearing starts at 9:30 AM and is completely virtual. MSDC can even sign you up if you ask.
- Learn more about prior auth changes (and potential changes) by joining Dr. Patience White for a discussion on the state of prior authorization in DC. She will be joined by Council staff and the AMA to discuss the hearing and other updates.
- Want to testify at this hearing or a future one, but don't know how? MSDC President Dr. Susanne Bathgate is having a brief lunch session on testifying before the Council - learn more here.
- Let MSDC know you're interested in this issue. Seriously - that's it. We can't keep you up to date if we don't know.
- Sign our sign-on letter here.
We've been talking A LOT about prior authorization recently, and it is because our DC bill puts practical but effective limits on when insurers (private and public) can slap a prior authorization on your prescriptions. See here how.
But this great new reality won't happen if physicians, patients, and practices don't act now. The good news is it is easier than ever to make a difference.
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.