COVID-19 Task Force Says DC Should Permit Frequent Physician Testing

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.

COVID-19 Task Force Says DC Should Permit Frequent Physician Testing

May 22, 2020, 16:21 PM by MSDC Staff

The MSDC COVID-19 Task Force recommended that the District create a way for physicians to be tested frequently for COVID-19.

The MSDC COVID-19 Task Force held its fourth meeting on Thursday and issued a strong recommendation that the District facilitate the ability for physicians to be tested frequently for COVID-19, even when asymptomatic.

The recommendation came from a discussion on the economic consequences of the public health emergency on physician practices. Task force members shared concerns that the economic losses due to COVID-19 endanger many physician offices. Even when physician offices reopen, the lack of PPE available may expose physicians and staff to infections. An asymptomatic physician can be an extremely effective spreader of COVID-19, so repeated testing is critical.

Other issues and recommendations from the meeting include:

Concerns about people held in prison pre-trial being unnecessarily exposed to potential infection
Discussions about the gaps of using temperature checks to determine infection
Deciding that DNR orders and advanced directives are a changing conversation during COVID-19 and requires further discussion
Continued work on bringing forward the over representation of African-Americans and Latinos in COVID-19 infection and death statistics, and how to address these issues

The next meeting of the COVID-19 Task Force is June 4 at 5:00 PM. Anyone interested in participating can contact Robert Hay Jr. (hay@msdc.org) for an invitation.

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.