Health Equity
News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues
25th Council session information coming soon.
Council Passes Stimulus Bill With Some Relief for Physicians
While it did not contain all the provisions MSDC hoped, the Council on Tuesday passed a second stimulus bill with some provisions of interest to District physicians.
In a first that's becoming common in the COVID-19 era, the Council met via Zoom for its first ever virtual meeting. The Council considered "consensus" legislation - including new green transit benefit regulations - before debating the stimulus legislation.
Controversially, the bill did not include funding for physician practices impacted by COVID-19. This was the second stimulus where physician support was rejected by the Council, although Councilmember Vincent Gray spoke out in favor of supporting physician and health facilities. MSDC had been advocating for such funding to help keep the healthcare system open during and after COVID-19, including sending a letter to the Council Monday signed by eight physician organizations.
The bill did include the following provisions:
- A 90-day rent deferral that private physicians offices can use to defer rent payments in commercial buildings
- A civil liability provision that could protect physicians, health contractors, and those working to protect the public from COVID-19 from liability except in cases of "gross negligence". MSDC is working with the Mayor's office to further clarify these protections.
- A grant to District hospitals to cover costs until federal funds become available for COVID-19 response
MSDC will continue to work with the Council and Bowser Administration to support all physicians during this public health emergency.
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Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked
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.
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.
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.