DC Health Updates Reporting Process of COVID-19 Infected Personnel

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.

DC Health Updates Reporting Process of COVID-19 Infected Personnel

Jul 16, 2020, 08:21 AM by MSDC Staff

DC Health creates a new reporting process for ANY COVID-19 infection and death at a healthcare facility.

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A new DC Health notice requires healthcare personnel and their employers to report positive COVID-19 tests in their staff.

The notice requires employers to report any healthcare personnel infected with COVID-19 who work (residing in the District or elsewhere) in the District. This includes, "any employer that provides inpatient or outpatient healthcare services and is either licensed by DC Health or functions as an independent private practice through a certificate of need."

The notice applies to paid and unpaid persons working in a healthcare setting who could expose individuals or materials. The definition goes beyond medical personnel and essentially covers anyone who may enter a medical facility and works in the medical facility. Examples include clergy, environmental services, and volunteers.

Different types of healthcare facilities have different reporting requirements.

Regardless of facility type, a death attributed to COVID-19 needs to be reported within 24 hours to coronavirus.hai@dc.gov. The email must provide the name, email, and direct line of the person reporting the death. DC Health will follow-up to get additional details.
Hospitals, home health agencies, and hemodialysis facilities should report cases amongst covered persons by 12 PM on Wednesdays.
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities should report cases by 3 PM daily
Outpatient facilities should report cases within 24 hours

More information and reporting links can be found at the DC Health notice.

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.