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!
MSDC Announces 23rd Council Period Report Card
As MSDC prepares for 2021 and a new Council period, the Society is pleased to share a "report card" on its advocacy activities for the 23rd District Council period (2019-2020).
The two-year period that just ended saw a surge of physician advocacy on important medical issues. COVID-related advocacy dominated the second half of the session, but numerous issues saw physicians testifying and MSDC staff working with lawmakers to protect practices and patients. The past Council session also saw MSDC's new issue priority ranking, policy agenda, and advocacy website.
In addition to encouraging physicians to testify directly to lawmakers, MSDC partnered with other healthcare associations and entities to pass legislation to make the District the best place to practice medicine.
You can see a brief summary of the advocacy report card here and the full report card here, but some areas of success of the physician community include:
- Permitting reimbursement for audio-only telemedicine
- Allowing for patients to receive FDA approved biosimilar drugs
- Prohibiting retribution from employers for physicians practicing reproductive health medicine
- Expanding insurance coverage requirements for newborns, parents, and pregnant women
- Limiting out-of-pocket costs of insulin for patients
- Defeating three different content-specific CME requirements
In addition to working on issue-specific legislation, MSDC members and leaders testified on the following issues:
- Protecting independent practices in underserved medical areas
- Providing support for independent physician practices during COVID-19
- Promoting physician wellbeing and addiction programs, and not unduly punishing physicians suffering from burnout or addiction
In 2021, MSDC will unveil an expanded, engaging advocacy program that will assist physicians in advocating on issues important to them, as well as equipping them to speak out on these issues. Keep an eye on our website for more information.
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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