MSDC, Health Groups Publish Return to Health Visits Guide

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, Health Groups Publish Return to Health Visits Guide

Jul 20, 2020, 14:30 PM by MSDC Staff

MSDC joined the Black Coalition Against COVID and other health partners to create "return to medical care" guidance.

The Medical Society of DC contributed to a collaborative document - released today - that encourages residents of the District to visit their doctors and health care providers.

The guidance, seen here, was created by the Black Coalition Against COVID. In addition to MSDC, MedChi DC, the DC Dental Society, and The Robert T. Freeman Dental Society contributed feedback and perspective on the document. Its aim is to show residents why it is safe to visit health care facilities despite the ongoing pandemic.

The document states that underlying health conditions have likely worsened during social quarantine, and that government guidance permits visits to medical facilities. In addition, important regular care such as vaccines, new injuries, and therapeutic treatments should be addressed by health professionals.

Among the reasons listed that visits to physicians, dentists, and hospitals are safe are:

Telemedicine is a widely available tool to screen for routine care that can be done remotely
Offices pre-screen patients for symptoms of COVID-19 to prevent the spread of infection
Masks and temperature checks are mandatory in the offices
Waiting spaces are either outside the office or in a space sanitized and spaced appropriately
Prescriptions could be extended to prevent unnecessary follow-up visits
Professionals, especially dentists, wear appropriate protection to prevent being infected by patients or spreading disease

Read the entire guidance here.

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.