Phase 1a Eligible Medical Professionals May Now Book COVID Vaccine Appointment

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.

Phase 1a Eligible Medical Professionals May Now Book COVID Vaccine Appointment

Dec 29, 2020, 07:19 AM by MSDC Staff

Phase 1a eligible persons can sign up to receive the vaccine through vaccinate.dc.gov.

As shared on MSDC's COVID-19 vaccine website yesterday, DC Health announced that all Phase 1a persons are now eligible to sign-up for COVID vaccine appointments.

In a press release and emailed letter to licensed physicians, the District announced that eligible providers may register to receive their vaccine doses through vaccinate.dc.gov. The District government made clear that only Phase 1a eligible individuals could register for the vaccine. As a reminder, Phase 1a includes anyone in a healthcare setting that may come into contact with those infected with COVID. This includes physicians and paid AND unpaid staff. Those individuals who work in a healthcare setting but do not come into contact with infected patients (e.g., work in an office in a hospital but not in patient care areas) would be considered Phase 1b.

MSDC's vaccine website has a wealth of information that is updated frequently, including advice on how best to vaccinate your office and other ways of receiving your vaccine. Bookmark the site and refer to it frequently.

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.