New Demographic Data Reporting Requirements for Laboratories

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.

New Demographic Data Reporting Requirements for Laboratories

Jun 5, 2020, 09:16 AM by MSDC Staff

HHS announces that testing laboratories must provide demographic data to the federal government to ensure more equitable resource distribution.

On Thursday, the federal government announced that laboratories testing for COVID-19 will be required to report race, ethnic, and other demographics of persons tested. The new requirements begin August 1.

According to The Washington Post, the new guidance will be required for diagnostic and antibody tests. There are a total of 18 pieces of information required and labs must report the information within 24 hours of the test to the local health department.

Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services Admiral Brett Giroir admitted on a conference call that the reason for the updated testing requirement is to better provide equitable resources and testing. He identified that currently it is hard to allocate resources to underserved communities, and the new data will help the federal government address these issues.

Read the entire requirements here.

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.