DC Health Issues New Guidance on RSV, Return to Work, and PPE

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 Issues New Guidance on RSV, Return to Work, and PPE

Nov 11, 2022, 07:43 AM by MSDC Staff

DC physicians should be aware of new DC Health information on respiratory illnesses and COVID-19 updates

DC Health has issued a series of guidance documents reflecting COVID updates and new public health concerns.

Most pressing is a new respiratory viral illness alert issued on November 9. The alert highlights the high levels of flu and RSV being seen in the population, similar to the experience of many DC physicians. The department notes that flu season began four weeks earlier this year than usual, resulting in higher numbers of severe cases. The alert seen here offers guidance and information for DC physicians and their offices.

In addition, DC Health updated their healthcare personnel monitoring, restriction, and return to work guidance on November 4. This guidance is for employers of health care personnel (HCP) and includes best practice recommendations related to masking, eye protection, and HCP exposure, monitoring, and work restrictions for COVID-19. Except for current mandates in effect under a Mayor’s Order or other existing local or federal regulation, any definitive action statements made in this guidance (e.g., “must”) are considered essential best practice recommendations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. HCP include all paid and unpaid persons serving in health care settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials. You can see the newest guidance here.

You can also view the most recent guidance on PPE here (issued 10/25) and guidance for close contacts with a COVID-19 positive person here (issued 10/25)

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.