Behavioral health is a major public health issue in the District of Columbia. Sadly, many of the legislative and regulatory initiatives around behavioral health are tied to other public health concerns, such as opioid addiction, maternal mortality, and health equity.

In partnership with the Washington Psychiatric Society, AMA, and American Psychiatric Association (APA), MSDC works to ensure that patients receive appropriate support for behavioral health issues, that the practice of psychiatry is supported in the District, and that psychiatrists are available to patients in the District.

MSDC was a proud supporter of the Behavioral Health Parity Act of 2017, which enshrined into law that all health plans offered by an insurance carrier meet federal requirements of the Wellstone/Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008.

MSDC Statements and Testimony of Behavioral Health Issues

25th Council period information coming soon

DC represents well at AMA I-25

Nov 18, 2025, 13:00 by MSDC Staff

DC physicians spent the past few days influencing policy at the national level with the AMA.

The MSDC American Medical Association delegation and "friends" were everywhere at the House of Delegates 2025 Interim meeting (I-25) this weekend at National Harbor. While this is not unusual - DC has always been an outsized player in HOD policy - this year's meeting saw DC people even more present with the meeting so close to home.

The DC delegation introduced one resolution and backstopped another that became AMA policy. Resolution 901 would align AMA policy with more precise science by differentiating between different types of ultra-processed foods. Generally the media and public assume all ultra-processed foods are bad for health, but there are some vegan and non-diary alternatives that fall into this definition. The resolution makes sure that soymilk is not treated the same as hot dogs in dietary guidelines. The second resolution establishes policy on fire risk standards for civilian and non-industrial clothing. The resolution points out the recent tragedies in New York and DC of people being lit on fire, and how fire-retardant clothing could have helped save their lives.

The meeting was not just resolutions, however. DC represented across the meeting in various events, including the DC/MedChi Maryland collaborations, Southeastern Delegation meetings, and the Organization of State Medical Association Presidents (OSMAP). Two of our Board members (Dr. Tu on CSAPH and Dr. Knight of CEJA) served on important committees for the meeting. Various other DC physicians attended coalition and section meetings.

The next AMA HOD meeting is in Chicago June 5-10, 2026.

Sample of Legislation MSDC is Tracking in Behavioral Health

(see the whole list of bills here)

Suicide Prevention Continuing Education Amendment Act of 2019 (B23-543)

What does it do? The bill requires licensed health providers to complete 2 hours of CME on suicide prevention, assessment, and screening.

MSDC position: MSDC opposes the bill as written as the language does not encourage physician wellbeing or sufficient awareness of suicide prevention.

Current status: The bill had a hearing with the Committee on Health on June 10.