What's next in DC scope battles March 3, 2025
Written by MSDC Staff
Despite some memorable achievements, physicians had to advocate hard to prevent the DC Council from making law numerous egregious scope of practice changes. The physician community rallied together to prevent things like allowing podiatrists from treating wrists to become law.
Reminder - here's what you did as a community.
Despite this, MSDC remains ever vigilant on scope of practice changes. Late last year, DC Health published a proposed regulation to allow nurse anesthetists to refer to themselves as nurse anesthesiologists. MSDC, AMA, and other physician groups wrote formal comments pointing out the absurdity of allowing nurses to confuse patients by using physician names for themselves. We are awaiting further regulations in this space.
Scope of practice battles are expanding across the nation. In 2024, Texas alone had 140 scope of practice bills defeated! We believe here in DC that many of the upcoming scope battles will be focused on regulations and not legislation. With a fast changing budget situation and the Council focusing on responding to federal issues, we believe DC Health could use its regulatory powers to push for changes not included in the HORA. Do not be surprised to see more items like: further expansion of medical treatment for providers like athletic trainers and chiropractors, further tweaks to the independent responsibilities of pharmacists, and changes to titles and wording used by allied health professionals.
How can you remain engaged?
- Sign up for Physicians Visit the DC Council Day
- Sign-up for the advocacy news list
- Renew or join MSDC