MSDC President Gives Advice to Council on Post-Pandemic Health Issues

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 President Gives Advice to Council on Post-Pandemic Health Issues

May 5, 2023, 08:34 AM by MSDC Staff

Dr. Bathgate listed for the Committee on Health a number of issues to take note of as the public health emergency winds down.

MSDC President Dr. Susanne Bathgate testified before the Committee on Health Thursday about issues to watch for as COVID emergency measures end.

The roundtable explored what issues the Council needed to be aware of as federal and local public health emergency measures ended. Dr. Bathgate spoke on a panel with representatives of the DC Hospital Association, DC Primary Care Association, and Long Term Care Coalition.

Dr. Bathgate's comments focused on three areas: workforce, telework, and social determinants of health. Among the areas she highlighted to the Council were:

The need to support small and independent practices as part of the DC healthcare infrastructure.
Looking at impediments to practice like onerous medical liability and prior authorization requirements.
How telework and office vacancies impact DC practices.
The need for a robust social safety network focused on culturally competent care, healthier lifestyles, and whole-person medicine.

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.