Council Advances Protections for Sunscreen, Physicians Practicing Reproductive Medicine

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.

Council Advances Protections for Sunscreen, Physicians Practicing Reproductive Medicine

Feb 4, 2020, 15:33 PM by MSDC staff

MSDC welcomed positive developments at the Wilson Building, as the Council passed legislation permitting sunscreen application in schools plus advanced a bill to protect reproductive health practitioners.

On February 4, the District Council took major steps towards passage of two bills supported by MSDC. By unanimous consent, the passed B23-467, The Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act of 2019. The bill contained language allowing students at DCPS to bring and administer sunscreen at school without a prescription. MSDC has supported this language for years as an obvious public health benefit to children.

In addition, the Strengthening Reproductive Health Protections Amendment Act of 2020 received a first reading at the Council on Tuesday. The bill would, among others things, permit physicians to practice reproductive medicine outside of employment without fear of discrimination from their employer as well as uphold the importance of the physician/patient relationship in reproductive medicine. At a rally prior to the bill's vote, MSDC member Sara Imershein as well as AMSA President Isaiah Cochran, MD, spoke in praise of the legislation.

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.