MSDC, Healthcare Community Push Passage of Temporary License Waiver Extension

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, Healthcare Community Push Passage of Temporary License Waiver Extension

Aug 12, 2021, 07:56 AM by MSDC Staff

If signed, the law allows temporarily licensed healthcare workers until the end of this year to apply for a permanent license.

Working with the local healthcare community, MSDC and its members won a big victory with the Council to extend temporary license provisions.

With the end of the public health emergency, the provision permitting temporary licensure of out-of-state providers had an end date of September. The original public health emergency permitted providers licensed in other states to act as temporary agents to fill healthcare needs in the District, provided they acted within their scope, and were licensed and in good standing in their state, among other requirements. This helped patients receive more services despite COVID straining the health care system, including via telemedicine. These providers needed to apply for a license in the 60 days between the end of the public health emergency and the waiver's end.

MSDC and other healthcare associations were concerned that the 60 day window was not sufficient to license these emergency providers. The turnover in the healthcare industry, the recent increase in COVID cases, the return of children to schools, and the long wait times for licenses across the sector had the industry worried about a healthcare provider shortage at a time of enhanced healthcare needs.

Councilmember Vincent Gray introduced the Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioners Emergency (and Temporary*) Declaration Resolution of 2021. The legislation extends the 60 day grace period to the end of December, 2021. This allows healthcare practitioners additional time to apply for and receive a license. The legislation passed the Council on Tuesday and is awaiting the Mayor's signature.

MSDC is thankful to Councilmember Gray, his staff, and the entire Council for taking this action. We will continue to work for a permanent solution to the regional licensure issue by pushing the District government to enter a regional licensure compact or reciprocity agreement with Maryland and Virginia.

* - What's the difference between emergency and temporary legislation? Learn more 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.