MSDC Issues Physician Protection Statement During COVID-19

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

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MSDC Issues Physician Protection Statement During COVID-19

Apr 9, 2020, 13:06 PM by J. Desiree Pineda, MD, FACP

MSDC has issued a new statement standing by physicians' right to be protected and to speak out during COVID-19

The below is a letter MSDC President J. Desiree Pineda, MD, FACP, sent to all MSDC members.

Dear Colleagues,

MSDC has been working hard on numerous ways to help you through this COVID-19 epidemic. However, we have been hearing locally and nationally the struggles of physicians needing protection of health and protection of speech. We feel compelled to speak on behalf of physicians in need who may not be able to speak for themselves.

This morning, your Board endorsed the MSDC Statement on Protecting District Physicians During COVID-19. I encourage you to read the entire statement and share with your colleagues to show how MSDC supports your fundamental rights during this time. Below is a summary of the four points in the statement:

- Physicians must be supplied adequate PPE - this responsibility falls on employers and government entities as supply permits.
- Physicians must be allowed to bring homemade PPE into work if shortages necessitate it.
- Physicians must not be penalized for speaking publicly on COVID-19, even statements that reflect current situations in their workplace.
- Physicians must be permitted to speak publicly on public health issues without fear of retribution.

MSDC Statement on Protecting District Physicians During COVID-19

This is more than just a document, this is a guidepost on which MSDC will continue to base its outreach and advocacy. I ask you to share this far and wide, so your colleagues know MSDC is here to advocate for you and your basic needs. If you want advice or guidance on how to share this message, attend our social media advocacy webinar this Saturday or contact MSDC EVP Robert Hay.

I thank the Council for Medical Specialty Societies for their April 2 statement, on which our language is based.

Sincerely,
J. Desiree Pineda, MD, FACP
President, MSDC

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.