MSDC Calls on Council to Help Physician Practices

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

MSDC Calls on Council to Help Physician Practices

Apr 3, 2020, 20:12 PM by MSDC Staff

MSDC president Desiree Pineda wrote a letter to the Council encouraging them to support physician practices in the next emergency bill.

Today, MSDC President J. Desiree Pineda, MD, FACP, sent a letter to the District of Columbia Council encouraging them to include support for physician practices in the upcoming emergency legislation.

Dr. Pineda's letter highlighted the financial struggles many practices are seeing as fewer patients are seen in-person and telemedicine is just beginning to be seen as a viable option for patients (MSDC can help with that).

Dr. Pineda also pointed out some key facts about how physicians contribute to the local economy:

Physicians contribute $301.3 million to the District in local taxes
Each DC physician supports on average 7.59 jobs
Physicians support $4.4 billion in benefits and wages.

MSDC encourages its members to reach out to the Council and explain why it is vital to protect practices during this emergency.

Council letter for physician financial programs 4.3.2020

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.