Health Equity

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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.

 

MSDC Board Approves New Business Plans for Society

Sep 22, 2020, 09:06 AM by MSDC Staff
The MSDC Board voted on some major changes to the Society's strategies, including approving new entities to meet strategic goals.

Board meeting Sept 2020

At its Monday meeting, the MSDC Board of Directors made some major decisions that will advance the Society's mission to make the District the best place to practice medicine.

The Board met via Zoom for the third consecutive meeting, due to the District's Phase Two restrictions. Joining the Board meeting with Dr. John Reilly, longtime MSC member and member of the MSDC Physician Healthy Committee.

The Board debated a number of items tied to its strategic plan and voted on a few motions of interest:

  • A motion was approved to create a new Foundation focused on physician wellness
  • The 2021 budget was approved unanimously
  • A set of metrics to guide the strategic plan's implementation was approved unanimously
  • A clean audit from MSDC's audit firm was accepted by the Board.

In addition, the Board heard presentations on:

  • DC Medicaid transition from fee-for-service to managed care, as well as behavioral health transitions
  • Multiple advocacy victories over the summer including passage of the Access to Biosimilars Amendment Act, MSDC's top legislative priority
  • The state of the Society's financial reserves and investments

The next MSDC Board meeting will be December 7. MSDC members in good standing may request an invitation to attend from Robert Hay via email at hay [at] msdc.org.

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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.