We Moved Fight for Medical Liability Reform to Center Stage

2004 came to a close without the DC Council taking action on medical liability reform.  Choosing not to waste a single day in 2005, MSDC redoubled its reform efforts and hit the floor running in January.

"Keep Your Doctor in DC" Campaign Launched

MSDC began the year with the introduction of the "Keep Your Doctor in DC" campaign-an aggressive medical liability reform initiative to secure meaningful reform in the District of Columbia to:

• Stem the exodus of physicians from the District;
• Provide relief for those committed to providing health care in the City; and
• Stabilize the District's healthcare infrastructure.
   

The Mayor's Reform Legislation Reintroduced

The campaign received an important boost in May 2005 when Mayor Anthony Williams-at the Medical Society's urging-reintroduced landmark medical liability reform legislation.  The Health Care Reform Act of 2005 was a mirror image of his Health Care Liability Reform Act of 2004.

The campaign continued to build momentum throughout the year:

Surveys Conducted to Quantify Crisis

MSDC conducted a series of surveys in 2005 to gather valuable data to support the anecdotal information we continued to receive.  The surveys revealed that the crisis is growing and impacting DC physicians regardless of specialty.  A September 2005 survey showed that one in five physicians said they plan to stop practicing medicine in the District because of rising medical liability insurance rates.

Meetings with Councilmembers Held to Urge Support for Mayor's Bill 

MSDC leaders met with individual DC councilmembers to underscore the need for multi-faceted liability reform.  These meetings allowed the Medical Society to lay the groundwork for a positive working relationship with the Council as debate on this important issue heated up.

Physician Action/Patient Information Kits Distributed to Build Grassroots Support

In July 2005, recognizing that patients-as well as physicians and their office staffs-are crucial partners in the effort, MSDC distributed 500 Physician Action and Patient Information Kits to MSDC members for display in their practices.   The kits helped physicians and their patients become effective advocates for reform.

Widespread Media Exposure Achieved, Educating Larger Audience

MSDC worked with print, radio and television outlets on many stories and segments to shed light on the growing crisis.  Two press conferences held with the Mayor and ongoing media relations resulted in high-profile exposure in The Washington Post, The Washington Times, The Washington Examiner, The Washington Business Journal, Associated Press, WRC-TV Channel 4, WUSA-TV Channel 9, News Channel 8, WAMU-FM 88.5, WTOP, and many others.   The Times, Examiner and Journal each included editorials in support of MSDC's position.

Coalition Formed to Strengthen Efforts

In June 2005, MSDC hosted a stakeholders meeting to form a coalition to strengthen efforts to secure medical liability reform in the District.  Throughout the year, we continued to work closely with allies in the fight, including MedStar, the DC Hospital Association, the Board of Trade, and the Tort Reform Institute. 

Individual Physician and Patient Stories Grew, Showing Impact of Problem

MSDC collected stories from physicians and their patients to provide concrete, anecdotal examples on how the crisis is impacting DC residents.

Updates on Campaign Activities Communicated Regularly to Members

MSDC launched innovative communication vehicles to provide valuable, timely information on advocacy efforts.  These included a revised, state-of-the-art web site and conference call briefings.