Health Equity

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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.

 

WHO: "COVID-19" is New Name for Coronavirus Outbreak

Feb 11, 2020, 11:05 AM by Robert Hay
The World Health organization has officially designated the coronavirus outbreak disease as COVID-19
ABC News is reporting that the World Health organization has announced a new name for the outbreak commonly known as "coronavirus".

On a conference call this morning, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the new name for the disease as "COVID-19". The name breaks down as :
  • CO = coronavirus
  • VI = virus
  • D = disease
  • 19 - year the outbreak began
WHO generally avoids naming diseases after people, animals, or geographic locations in order to prevent unfair stigma. 

As of this writing, 13 cases of COVID-19 have been discovered in the United States. For information of how a District physician should handle a suspected COVID-19 case, read our guide here.
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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.