Women's Health
MSDC has long advocated for women's health protections, the rights of women physicians, and affordable care for women's issues. MSDC works closes with ACOG, AAFP, AAP, and other specialty organizations to craft local legislation that allows DC to be the best place to practice women's and maternal medicine.
In the face of a maternal mortality crisis in the District, engagement in these issues is more important than ever. Learn more about how MSDC is working to protect the health of women, mothers, and babies in all wards in the city.
MSDC Statements and Testimony on Women's Health Issues
25th Council information coming soon!
Council Passes New Hospital Bill, Biosimilars, Other MSDC Priorities
Yesterday was a great day for the practice of medicine in the District as the Council passed multiple bills that will continue to make the District the best place to practice medicine.
The headliner was the Council's second vote to pass legislation approving a contract to build a new hospital on the campus of St. Elizabeth's. The new hospital, run by UHS, will replace United Medical Center and contains language mandating the building of related medical facilities in Wards 7 and 8. MSDC has been supportive of building a new hospital in Ward 7 and 8, and looks forward to working with the District and UHS to coordinate between practices and physicians who want to join the new hospital.
The Council also passed by unanimous consent B23-430, the Access to Biosimilars Amendment Act of 2020. The legislation authorizes licensed pharmacists to dispense interchangeable biological products, and requires notifications to physicians when such interchangeable biological products are dispensed. The legislation was one of MSDC's top legislative priorities and we coordinated with the American College of Rheumatology to pass the legislation.
In addition, Chairman Gray complimented the Medical Society of DC and AAO-HNS for their work to improve B23-565, the Hearing Aid Sales Amendment Act of 2020. The bill streamlined the process for hearing impaired individuals to acquire a hearing aid but ensured they could receive appropriate medical clearance before doing so. MSDC was proud to work with AAO-HNS, DC Health, and the Committee on Health to ensure the legislation was medically correct.
Other healthcare bills that passed the Council yesterday include:
- Window Blind and Drape Cord Safety Notification Act of 2020
(Bill 23-322) - MSDC asked for and received acceptable changes - Postpartum Coverage Expansion Amendment Act of 2020
(Bill 23-326) - MSDC supported - Pregnancy as a Qualifying Event Act of 2020
(Bill 23-584) - MSDC supported
Finally, the Council took its first vote on legislation to permit the building of a new hospital on the Howard University campus. The debate indicated that further changes to the contract could be discussed. MSDC supports Howard's ability to build a new hospital.
Sample of Legislation MSDC Followed in Women's Health and Maternal Health
(See the whole list of bills here)
What does the bill do? Extends postpartum inpatient and outpatient benefits to at least one year after childbirth
MSDC position: We support this legislation and the extension of insurance benefits to mothers and babies to help maternal health in the District
Current status: SUCCESS. The bill passed the Council and was signed into law by the Mayor on August 14, 2020.
What does the bill do? The bill prohibits the District government from interfering with patients' reproductive health decisions and prohibits employers from punishing physicians who perform abortions or sterilizations outside of their employment.
MSDC position: We support this legislation as it allows physicians freedom of practice.
Current status: SUCCESS. The bill passed the Committee on Government Operations in January. MSDC submitted testimony at the December hearing, and MSDC member Sara Imershein testified at the hearing. The Council passed the bill and the Mayor signed it into law on March 23, 2020.
What does the bill do? The bill extends coverage for maternal health issues and fertility preservation, creates a Maternal Health Center in the District, and mandates two hours of cultural competence CME for health care providers.
MSDC position: We oppose the bill without changes due to inclusion of mandatory CME and some of the definitions in the bill being medically questionable.
Current status: The bill had a hearing in the Committee on Health in December, with MSDC member Dr. Sara Imershein testifying for MSDC and ACOG.
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