Opioid Policies
Much like the rest of the United States, residents of the District of Columbia are struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) rate increases and high rates of opioid-related deaths. Unfortunately, these are multi-faceted issues that require year-long initiatives and systematic programs to address the myriad causes of addiction.
MSDC stands as a partner to the District government and private entities to help arrest the rates of opioid and substance abuse in the District. Through our advocacy for better prescribing practices, education on addiction, and even helping our own community through our Physician Health Program, MSDC is working to make DC a leader in reducing SUD, OUD, and addiction.
On a related note, MSDC is passionate about helping patients make prescriptions and medication more affordable. Whether expanding access to biosimilars or advocating for more affordable co-pays, MSDC wants to help our patients afford the medications they need.
MSDC Statement and Testimony on Opioid and Prescription Issues
25th Council information coming soon
Join the physician letter asking for a prior auth hearing
MSDC is again pushing for the DC Council to hold a hearing on legislation to reform prior authorization, in line with recommendations made by the American Medical Association and other national healthcare groups. Last year, Councilmember Mary Cheh introduced this bill, and we have heard another bill may be introduced soon.
Without a hearing, the prior auth legislation cannot move forward for consideration by the Council. A hearing is also an opportunity by the Council to hear how and why prior auth is a burden to local practices. While MSDC has reams of data on national impact, the local impact moves the needle.
Just like last summer, we are asking you to join a physician sign-on letter asking for a hearing on potential legislation. Our hope is that if the bill drops shortly the letter can be used to show the urgency for a hearing.
Use this link to join our letter - the deadline is Tuesday, February 7.
The letter text is below. If you have any questions about prior auth or how to get involved, contact Robert Hay Jr at hay@msdc.org or 2O2-466-18OO.
February 7, 2023
The Honorable Christina Henderson
Chair, Committee on Health
Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington DC 20004
Dear Chair Henderson,
We, the undersigned
physicians and healthcare professionals, urge you to hold a hearing on prior authorization legislation before the Council recess this summer.
According to a recent Axios article, 40 states are considering legislation to reform prior authorization
practices. The Mayor’s Healthcare Workforce Task Force includes a draft recommendation to reform the practice to prevent healthcare worker burnout and improve retention. Nationally, the movement is to reform a practice that harms patients and
hinders care, and the District needs to be a part of this movement.
A recent American Medical Association (AMA) physician survey on prior auth showed that 93% of physicians report care delays because of prior authorization. The same survey
showed that physician offices spend 13 hours each week (almost two business days) dedicated to prior auth paperwork.
These delays impact our residents and patients daily, leading many to wait unnecessarily for their treatments or choose
to abandon them altogether.
We ask you to hold a hearing on this bill because you and your colleagues need to hear our stories about how prior authorizations negatively impact physicians across the District. We look forward to continuing
to share our stories and working with your office to pass this legislation in 2023.
Sincerely,
Sample of Legislation MSDC Tracked on Opioid and Prescription Policy
What does it do? The bill authorizes licensed pahrmacists to dispense interchangeable biological products and requires notifications to physicians when such interchangeables are dispensed.
MSDC position: MSDC has a position of priority support on this legislation, identifying its passage as one of its highest legislative priorities.
Current status: SUCCESS. The bill was passed by the Council and signed by the Mayor.
What does it do? The bill requires prescription opioid medications to include a statement that the drug is an opioid and opioids may cause dependence, addiction, or overdoes.
MSDC position: MSDC supports the legislation.
Current status: The bill had a hearing before the Committee on Health on July 29, 2020. MSDC leader Dr. Sam Kareff testified for the Medical Society. It passed the Council on November 10 and was signed by the Mayor December 7.
What does it do? The bill prohibits insurance companies from factoring the use of PreP in decisions related to disability, life, or long-term care policies.
MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation
Current status: The bill was introduced on January 8, 2019 and assigned to the Committee on Business and Economic Development.