DC Health Care Finance Announces EHR Incentive Program Now Open

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 Care Finance Announces EHR Incentive Program Now Open

Oct 28, 2020, 11:23 AM by MSDC Staff

DC Medicaid providers may be eligible for financial and technical assistance from eHealthDC.

Today the Department of Health Care Finance announced its opening of Program Year 2020 for the DC Medicaid Promoting Interoperability Program.

The announcement can be seen here. DHCF will accept attestation from eligible providers until March 15, 20201. Eligible providers include:

Licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, CNMs, or dentists; who
Maintain a Medicaid patient volume threshold of 30% (20% for pediatricians); and
Have already received a Medicaid EHR incentive payment from DC or another state.

DHCF is also working with eHealthDC to offer free technical assistance to eligible providers to help them meet incentive payment requirements. MSDC supported funding for this program in the District budget as we have heard from our members that the fund is critical to serving their patients.

If you would like more information on whether you qualify for incentive payments or free
technical assistance, please contact eHealthDC at contact@e-healthdc.org. You may also call or submit a request for assistance at www.e-healthdc.org

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.