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.

 

MSDC Board Takes Action to Protect Physicians During COVID-19

Apr 7, 2020, 08:39 AM by MSDC Staff
The MSDC Board approved multiple new initiatives to protect physicians during COVID-19, including a COVID-19 Task Force.

On Monday, the MSDC Board of Directors met to consider a number of items designed to protect physicians and their practices during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

The meeting was the first videoconference meeting of the MSDC Board of Directors in the organization's 203 year history. The Board took the following actions to help the District during the COVID-19 crisis:

  • The Board created a COVID-19 Task Force to create consensus guidance on important issues around COVID-19. The call for task force members will go out soon.
  • The Board drafted a statement on the Protection of DC Physicians during COVID-19. The Executive Committee will finalize and release the final version this week.
  • The organization will send a letter to the District and national leaders advocating for preventative measures to reduced fatalities during COVID-19. The preventative measures would focus on smoking cessation, updated prescribing, and science-based dietary improvement.
  • The Board approved two measures to provide financial relief to some members, including extending the deadline for renewing 2020 dues and offering a discount to new 2020 members.

The Board also heard a presentation from Physician Health Program Chair Charles Samenow, MD. Dr. Samenow, who is a psychiatrist from the George Washington MFA, discussed the new ways the PHP is working with its participant population and serving as a health resource for all health practitioners during COVID-19.

The next Board meeting is June 22. MSDC members in good standing are able to request an invitation to attend, although the format and location is TBD at the moment.

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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.