MSDC Applauds Amendment’s Patient Protection Changes; Cautions Scope of Practice Expansions

The Medical Society expressed wholehearted support for seven changes in the “Health Occupations Revisions Act of 1985 Amendment Act” that would expand the authority of the Board of Medicine and result in enhanced protection of patients. However, the Medical Society has concerns about some of the significant expansions in scope of practice, especially those relating to optometrists. MSDC has asked the DC Council to refrain from adopting these changes until it can insure that patients are not put at risk by these scope-of-practice expansions.

“In an era where all of us are concerned with improving patient safety, we must not send a mixed message to patients that we will countenance the provision of any health care service by an individual not sufficiently trained and qualified to provide the service,” said MSDC Board Chair Peter E. Lavine, MD.