Congress Passes COVID 3.5 Bill and Pivots to CARES Act Part 4

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.

Congress Passes COVID 3.5 Bill and Pivots to CARES Act Part 4

Apr 24, 2020, 06:45 AM by MSDC Staff

The latest federal stimulus bill contains more funding for public health including new funds for testing.

Capitol 360x180

On Thursday, the House joined the Senate in passing the "Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act", more commonly known as COVID 3.5. The legislation is the latest federal attempt to stimulate the economy and provide support to the health care sector. Yet even as it awaits President Trump's signature, Congress is already pivoting to the next COVID-19 bill, which is expected to build upon the CARES Act.

The American Medical Association published a comprehensive guide to the legislation (AMA summary of COVID 3.5 bill) but a few highlights include:

Additional funds for the PPP to increase the number of loans for businesses, with a percentage set aside for community lenders
$25b for COVID-19 testing with a variety of carve-outs including $825m for Community Health Center
An additional $75b in funds for hospitals to cover losses

The next bill being considered by Congress is at the moment less structured but already the subject of intense political debate. One issue MSDC hopes is included in the new legislation is "catch-up" funding for the District. Under the original CARES Act, the District was designated for territorial funding, not state-level funding, which left it with $700m less in federal support funding for COVID-19 relief. MSDC is involved in advocacy efforts to secure equal funding for the District with states, as the District's public health function is more in line with states than territories.

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.