MSDC Recommends to Mayor Bowser Health Improvements for Re-Open Plan

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 Recommends to Mayor Bowser Health Improvements for Re-Open Plan

May 28, 2020, 10:22 AM by MSDC Staff

MSDC made a set of recommendations to the Mayor on how to protect the health of residents during the re-open DC plan.

Today, MSDC President J. Desiree Pineda, MD, FACP, sent a letter to the Mayor's office with recommendations to improve the health system of the District during the re-open plan.

With the District entering phase one of its re-opening plan, it is imperative that the District's healthcare network can react to any COVID-19 spikes as well as address underlying health concerns that the public health emergency has made clear. While MSDC applauds elements of the plan proposed by the Mayor's Re-Open DC Advisory Committee, we also feel there are elements the mayor needs to consider in order to fully protect the District.

The letter, seen here, outlines areas for the Mayor to consider as she considers the Advisory Group's recommendations:

Making permanent telemdicine coverage expansions and requiring equitable reimbursement
Recognizing that state borders are not as important when treating patients post-pandemic
Creating a health system for underserved residents especially in Wards 7 and 8
Protecting physicians from physical and civil threats they may face during the pandemic
Supporting the behavioral and emotional needs front line healthcare workers are facing during and after the emergency

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.