Physician Community Speaks Loudly on Scope Bill December 11, 2023
Written by MSDC Staff
The DC physician community spoke up and spoke loudly on December 7, arguing against expanding scope of practice in DC.
The cause was a hearing in the Committee on Health for B25-545, the HORA Revisions Act. The bill would update the law governing medical licensing and practice in the District. Notably, the bill would dramatically expand the scope of practice for numerous allied health providers as well as change the Board of Medicine to include physician assistants, a podiatrist, a chiropractor, and an acupuncturist.
MSDC President Dr. Ashesh Patel testified early in the hearing on behalf of the Society. In his testimony, he noted the large number of physicians and organizations speaking or submitting testimony concerned with the legislation. He shared that MSDC's testimony would briefly touch on these topics, and leave the details to others, while highlighting larger concerning themes. Other members, like Dr. John Dombrowski, spoke to specific concerns on scope expansion. Even the American Medical Association testified at the hearing to give a national perspective.