Physician Voices for Patient Safety
On this page:
About the bill
Impact on patients in DC
Impact of physicians in DC
What can you do?
Resources
About the bill
In November 2023, DC Health introduced B25-545, the Health Occupations
Revisions General Amendment Act of 2023. This bill was a comprehensive
rewrite of the law overseeing medical licensing and regulation in
Washington, DC. Unfortunately, the bill as written overhauled
scope of practice, place allied health professionals in oversight
positions of medical licensing, and remove the physician from the center
of the care team. After much work and a number of legislative wins, the bill passed the Council on May 7.
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. Allied health professionals are a valuable part of the care team, but their medical education and experience limits their role.
The Medical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC) is the leading voice for physicians in Washington, DC, committed to uniting physicians to advocate for physician-led health care in Washington, DC that protects patients from harm and increases access to quality care. MSDC is leading a coalition of Washington, DC specialty medical societies to advocate against the Health Occupations Revisions General Amendment Act of 2023.
Impact on DC medicine
Below is a breakdown of some of the major changes the bill contains; click on the title to expand how the bill would change that item.
Currently the Board of Medicine is composed of 10 physicians and 4 members of the public. The bill as amended would reduce the number of physicians to 9 and adds 2 physician assistants but keep
the four members of the public health.
The concern: The bill would codify that APRNs could independently diagnose, prescribe, and administer medicine.
The details: See the analysis from G2L Law Firm on the APRN provisions | See our one-pager on this issue that you can share with colleagues and the Council
The solutions: Independent Advanced Certified Nurse Practitioners should have a defined scope of practice limited to the following functions:
- Practice only in the field of certification;
- Comprehensive physical assessment of patients;
- Certify to the clerk of the court that an adult has given birth;
- Certify to the Transportation authority that an individual has special needs for certain health reasons;
- Complete date of birth and medical information on a birth certificate;
- Complete a death certificate if medical examiner does not take charge and deceased was under the care of the PN;
- Establish medical diagnosis of common short-term and chronic stable health problems;
- File a replacement death certificate;
- Issue a “do not resuscitate order” in medical emergencies;
- Order, perform, and interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests;Prescribe drugs and devices under DC controlled substance Schedules II-V with a valid DEA license, and medical marijuana under DC laws;
- Provide emergency care within the scope of their skills;
- Refer patients to appropriate licensed physicians or other health care providers;
- Certify to utility company that a client has a serious illness or the need for life-support equipment;
- Witness an advanced directive;
- Sign off on home health/care orders.
The concern: As seen below, additional allied health professions are permitted to apply anesthesia. Most concerning is the scope expansion that could permit nurse anesthetists to practice without physician collaboration.
The details: See our one-pager on this issue that you can share with colleagues and the Council
The solution: This bill asks to repeal Section 603 of DC official code ₰3-1206.03, and this action will allow nurse anesthetists to administer anesthesia without an anesthesiologist or other physician's direct collaboration. Language seeking repeal of Section 603 of DC official code ₰3-1206.03 should not be included.
This bill adds Sec. 605a, which contains language that a CRNA may plan and deliver anesthesia, pain management, and related care to patients or clients of all health complexities across the lifespan. Language adding Sec. 605a should be removed from this bill.
The expands audiologists' scope to include "cerumen management" and "interoperative neurophysiologic monitoring" and permits audiologists to screen for cognitive, depression and vision.
The bill completely rewrites the definition of the practice of "chiropractic". Chiropractors could:
- Diagnose and treat biomechanical or physiological conditions that compromise neural integrity or organ system function
- Refer patients for further medical treatment or diagnostic testing
The details: See our one-pager on this issue that you can share with colleagues and the Council
The bill would expand pharmacists' scope to include:
- Ordering labs
- Scheduling and monitoring drug therapy
- Ordering, interpreting, and performing more tests
The details: See our one-pager on this issue that you can share with colleagues and the Council
The bill would permit physical therapists to independently evaluate and treat disability, injury, or disease. PTs may also order imaging as part of their treatment plan.
The concern: The bill expands podiatrists scope of practice to allow:
- apply anesthesia as part of treatment; and
- administer vaccines and injections.
The details: See our one-pager on this issue that you can share with colleagues and the Council
Throughout the bill, restrictions on nursing scope of practice are removed or loosened throughout. Specific language outlining what and how nurses can practice is removed and replaced with more vague language giving the Mayor (read DC Health)
the ability to dictate scope. This applies to many different nursing types, like APRNs and NPs.
Articles on scope of practice
MSDC's 2026 Capital Healthcare Honors Celebrates the "Capital of Care"
On the evening of Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the Medical Society of the District of Columbia gathered more than one hundred physicians, hospital leaders, DC government officials, and healthcare professionals at the historic National Press Club for the 2026 Capital Healthcare Honors. Under the theme "Capital of Care: Where Innovation Meets Impact", the evening brought together the District's medical community to recognize outstanding contributions to medicine, public health, and the patients of Washington, DC.
The event opened with a lively networking reception, where guests enjoyed cocktails and conversation before moving into the dinner and awards program. MSDC President Dr. Matthew Lecuyer welcomed attendees and introduced distinguished guests before presiding over an evening that honored six individuals and organizations whose work reflects the very best of DC healthcare.
Certificate of Meritorious Service — Dr. Allen H. Roberts II
MSDC's highest honor, the Certificate of Meritorious Service, was presented to Dr. Allen H. Roberts II of MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. A Navy veteran who served as a White House Physician under President George H.W. Bush, Dr. Roberts has spent more than two decades practicing Critical Care Medicine at Georgetown while also serving as a professor of clinical medicine and Chair of the hospital's Ethics Committee. His distinguished career — spanning military service, bedside medicine, and bioethics scholarship — exemplifies the award's tradition of recognizing those who have given exceptional service to the medical profession as a whole.
Distinguished Service Award — Dr. Charles P. Samenow
The Distinguished Service Award, presented for outstanding service to MSDC itself, went to Dr. Charles P. Samenow, a board-certified psychiatrist. Dr. Samenow has served as Chair of MSDC's Physician Health Committee, where he has worked tirelessly to support physicians facing mental health, substance use, and professional conduct challenges — an often quiet but critically important dimension of organized medicine's mission.
Dr. Charles H. Epps III Community Service Award — Dr. Patience H. White
The community service honor bearing the name of one of DC medicine's great luminaries was awarded to Dr. Patience H. White, co-director of Got Transition and Professor Emeritus at George Washington University. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Dr. White has championed the health care transition for young patients moving from pediatric to adult care systems, developed nationally recognized frameworks now used across the country, and served as a tireless voice for children and young adults with chronic conditions. She currently serves as Governor of the American College of Physicians DC Chapter.
John Benjamin Nichols Award — DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority
The John Benjamin Nichols Award, recognizing outstanding contributions toward improving the health of the community, was presented to the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority (HBX) and its Executive Director, Mila Kofman. Since launching DC Health Link in 2013, HBX has helped cut the District's uninsured rate in half, served approximately 100,000 residents and businesses, and pioneered coverage models — including the newly launched Healthy DC Plan — that have become national models for other states. The recognition honors HBX's sustained commitment to making quality, affordable healthcare accessible to all DC residents.
President's Award — Feseha Woldu, PhD
Dr. Lecuyer presented the President's Award to Feseha Woldu, PhD, Vice President for Population Programs and Community Affairs at MedStar Health. Dr. Woldu's work in population health management has driven meaningful improvements in health outcomes for vulnerable and underserved communities across the DC region, leveraging data, community engagement, and targeted interventions to address health disparities at scale.
Dr. Cesar A. Caceres Innovation in Healthcare Technology Award — Mary's Center
The Dr. Cesar A. Caceres Innovation in Healthcare Technology Award went to Mary's Center, the District's well-known Federally Qualified Health Center and multi-service nonprofit. Mary's Center was honored for its initiative to deploy wearable remote monitoring technology for pregnant individuals facing barriers to in-person care — including transportation challenges, safety concerns, and housing instability. The program, which extends monitoring through the postpartum period, reflects both the spirit of Dr. Caceres's legacy and the urgent need for innovative solutions to maternal health disparities in DC.
MSDC extends its deepest congratulations to all six honorees and its heartfelt thanks to the sponsors whose generosity made the 2026 Capital Healthcare Honors possible. The evening was a powerful reminder of the talent, dedication, and compassion that define Washington, DC's medical community.
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