Health Equity
News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues
25th Council session information coming soon.
Council Passes New Hospital Bill, Biosimilars, Other MSDC Priorities
Yesterday was a great day for the practice of medicine in the District as the Council passed multiple bills that will continue to make the District the best place to practice medicine.
The headliner was the Council's second vote to pass legislation approving a contract to build a new hospital on the campus of St. Elizabeth's. The new hospital, run by UHS, will replace United Medical Center and contains language mandating the building of related medical facilities in Wards 7 and 8. MSDC has been supportive of building a new hospital in Ward 7 and 8, and looks forward to working with the District and UHS to coordinate between practices and physicians who want to join the new hospital.
The Council also passed by unanimous consent B23-430, the Access to Biosimilars Amendment Act of 2020. The legislation authorizes licensed pharmacists to dispense interchangeable biological products, and requires notifications to physicians when such interchangeable biological products are dispensed. The legislation was one of MSDC's top legislative priorities and we coordinated with the American College of Rheumatology to pass the legislation.
In addition, Chairman Gray complimented the Medical Society of DC and AAO-HNS for their work to improve B23-565, the Hearing Aid Sales Amendment Act of 2020. The bill streamlined the process for hearing impaired individuals to acquire a hearing aid but ensured they could receive appropriate medical clearance before doing so. MSDC was proud to work with AAO-HNS, DC Health, and the Committee on Health to ensure the legislation was medically correct.
Other healthcare bills that passed the Council yesterday include:
- Window Blind and Drape Cord Safety Notification Act of 2020
(Bill 23-322) - MSDC asked for and received acceptable changes - Postpartum Coverage Expansion Amendment Act of 2020
(Bill 23-326) - MSDC supported - Pregnancy as a Qualifying Event Act of 2020
(Bill 23-584) - MSDC supported
Finally, the Council took its first vote on legislation to permit the building of a new hospital on the Howard University campus. The debate indicated that further changes to the contract could be discussed. MSDC supports Howard's ability to build a new hospital.
Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked
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.
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.
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.
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