Scope of Practice
MSDC has long advocated that a physician is the most qualified professional at the head of a care team. Physicians have the most health education and pre-practice experience of any health professional, and thus must be involved in all but the most mundane health care decisions.
Certain professional decisions critical to high quality patient care should always be the ultimate responsibility of the physician practicing in a health plan...
MSDC Policy Manual, 285.008 Physician Decision-Making
Recently we have seen pushes in other states to reduce the roles of physicians in health care or to try and extract health system "savings" by cutting physician reimbursement. MSDC has long advocated for fair reimbursement practices, the importance of physicians in health policy, and stopping the push to equate other health professionals' skills with physicians.
MSDC Statements and Testimony on Scope of Practice Issues
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DHCF Press Release on Implementation of New Managed Care PlansOctober 2, 2020
The DC Department of Health Care Finance announces its implementation of new Medicaid managed care health plans.
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MSDC Joins AMA Letter Opposing Redefining "Physician"September 23, 2020
MSDC joined an AMA letter asking Congress not to include psychologists in the Medicare definition of physician.
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DC Health Releases New Guidance on Healthcare Workplace and PatientsSeptember 16, 2020
DC Health guidance encourages healthcare facilities to shift from testing-based strategies to symptom-based strategies for COVID-19.
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Information on Free Telehealth Laptops and Licenses for Medicaid ProvidersSeptember 14, 2020
If you are a Medicaid provider, you could be eligible to receive a loaner laptop and telehealth license for one year.
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AMA Releases 2021 CPT Code SetSeptember 3, 2020
The AMA released new CPT codes to reflect changes in modern medical care, including COVID-19 needs.
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Sample of Scope of Practice Legislation MSDC is Tracking
(See the whole list of bills here)
What does the bill do? It allows an adult seeking a hearing aid to receive medical clearance from any licensed physician, not just an otolaryngologis.
MSDC position: MSDC supports the legislation.
Current status: The bill was passed by the Council after MSDC and AAO-HNS successfully worked with Council staff to correct language confusing audiology with the practice of medicine.
What does the bill do? The bill imposes tighter reporting requirements on health practitioners and health facilities, requiring more reporting and imposing large fines for noncompliance.
MSDC position: MSDC opposed the original language, as it was ambiguous as to whether impaired physicians seeking treatment would need to be reported even if they were not a danger to others. Clarifying amendments to the legislation now requires only physicians with no hope of passing treatment to be reported.
Current status: The Committee on Health had a hearing in June 2019. The bill was passed by the Council and signed by the Mayor.
What does the bill do? The bill establishes a licensing process for midwives and allows certified professional midwives to supervise services at a maternity center.
MSDC position: MSDC did not take a formal position on this bill.
Current status: The bill was passed by the Council and signed by the Mayor.