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!
DC Health Opens New Healthcare Loan Reimbursement Application Cycle
The below is a press release from DC Health's Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP) office:
On May 15, 2021 the District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health) will accept applications for the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP). HPLRP provides loan repayment services to eligible providers practicing in HPLRP-certified Service Obligation Sites (SOS) in the District. New provider applications will be accepted from May 15, 2021– June 15, 2021 for Tier I; Tier II will open June 30 and close July 30, 2021 contingent upon availability.
The HPLRP will issue up to twenty-one (21) award contracts to primary care and mental health physicians specializing in obstetrics and gynecology and or psychiatry working or having a contract in one our HPLRP certified Service Obligation Sites (SOS) and have 100% of their total debt, not to exceed $200,000, repaid by the HPLRP over 4 years of service, provided that the participant will provide full-time service in Ward 7 or 8 in the District of Columbia. The initial award is 44% of the participant's loan not to exceed $88,000 for two-years of service.
Providers interested in the program must be employed or have an employment contract with a certified Service Obligation Site (SOS) to provide direct patient care for at least 40 hours per week. A site must be an approved SOS for a provider to be eligible for the HPLRP. To become an SOS, a site must be a public or nonprofit entity located in a Health Professional Shortage or Medically Under-served Area/Population (HPSA/MUA/MUP) and must submit a Site Certification Application to the HPLRP. HPLRP applications, including recommendation letters and loan verification information, must be completed and submitted to DC Health by June15, 2021 for the 1st closing date. Tier II cycle will close July 30, 2021.
The anticipated contract start date for selected applicants is August 15, 2021.
You can apply at bit.ly/2MzONXV.
HPLRP Application Technical Assistance Conference Call for Fall & Spring Webinar (Note: Chrome Extension May Be Required or use Internet Explorer)
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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