Mayor's Task Force Recommends Streamlined Licensing, Prior Auth Reform

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

Mayor's Task Force Recommends Streamlined Licensing, Prior Auth Reform

Oct 19, 2023, 10:22 AM by MSDC Staff

The Healthcare Workforce Task Force issued recommendations aimed at strengthening an industry battered by burnout and epidemics.

Mayor Muriel Bowser's task force to sustain the healthcare workforce released its recommendations officially, a few of which mirrored MSDC's own priorities.

This report - seen here - will help set budget and action priorities for the health agencies in the years to come. MSDC served on the task force, as did some of its members.

The recommendations from the task force include:

Expand data infrastructure to improve health professional license processing, allow for interoperability with third-party data providers and other jurisdiction licensing agencies, and improve data collection to support healthcare workforce development planning.
Accelerate coordinated health professional licensure across the District, Maryland, and Virginia through compacts and policy coordination, technology interoperability, expanded use of temporary licensure, and adoption of endorsement pathways for all comparable licenses, registrations, or certifications.
Allow for certain non-District residents to be considered for health professional licensing board membership.
Reduce systemic factors contributing to healthcare workforce burnout, by reducing documentation burden, insurance prior authorization requirements for routine care, and improving healthcare workforce quality of life.

The second and third recommendations above are already being implemented by DC Health, and MSDC is working to implement all four. MSDC thanks its advisory committee who helped craft MSDC's comments to the task force and MSDC members who participated in the task force.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.