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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.

 

DC Launches New COVID-19 Exposure Notification Tool

Oct 20, 2020, 08:24 AM by MSDC Staff
DC now has a privacy-protecting contact tracing system run through your smartphone

smartphone

Today, District residents will be able to assist contact tracing in a new way - via their smartphones.

The District government has launched a new system called DC COVID Alert Notice, or DC CAN. The mobile phone-based program allows residents to be aware when they have come into close proximity with someone who has tested positive, or to report to others when they test positive.

At a Monday press conference, DC Health Director Dr. LaQandra Nesbitt walked through the process. When a person tests positive for COVID-19, the DC Health contact tracing program will reach out and ask the person if they use DC CAN. Users will be given a code for them to enter into their phone, and that code will activate a Bluetooth notification. People who use DC CAN who have been in close proximity to that person will receive pop-up notifications on next steps to protect themselves and their community from COVID spread.

The government stressed that the system is private and secure. The technology was developed through a partnership between Apple and Google, and uses Bluetooth technology to exchange signals. No GPS data or identification data is transmitted, so the exposed person's identity or location will not be revealed. A similar notification system has been in use in Virginia for a few months. However, the DC tool is not interoperable with the Virginia system, so a positive COVID test in the District will not notify a Virginia resident who was exposed to that person.

MSDC encourages its members to share information with patients about the system and how to use it, so the District can effectively use the technology to blunt the spread of COVID-19. Below is a Tweet posted by Deputy Mayor John Falcicchio on how to install the notification system.

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https://twitter.com/i/status/88475651 

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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.