Health Equity
News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues
25th Council session information coming soon.
DC Health Opens New Healthcare Loan Reimbursement Application Cycle
The below is a press release from DC Health's Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP) office:
On May 15, 2021 the District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health) will accept applications for the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP). HPLRP provides loan repayment services to eligible providers practicing in HPLRP-certified Service Obligation Sites (SOS) in the District. New provider applications will be accepted from May 15, 2021– June 15, 2021 for Tier I; Tier II will open June 30 and close July 30, 2021 contingent upon availability.
The HPLRP will issue up to twenty-one (21) award contracts to primary care and mental health physicians specializing in obstetrics and gynecology and or psychiatry working or having a contract in one our HPLRP certified Service Obligation Sites (SOS) and have 100% of their total debt, not to exceed $200,000, repaid by the HPLRP over 4 years of service, provided that the participant will provide full-time service in Ward 7 or 8 in the District of Columbia. The initial award is 44% of the participant's loan not to exceed $88,000 for two-years of service.
Providers interested in the program must be employed or have an employment contract with a certified Service Obligation Site (SOS) to provide direct patient care for at least 40 hours per week. A site must be an approved SOS for a provider to be eligible for the HPLRP. To become an SOS, a site must be a public or nonprofit entity located in a Health Professional Shortage or Medically Under-served Area/Population (HPSA/MUA/MUP) and must submit a Site Certification Application to the HPLRP. HPLRP applications, including recommendation letters and loan verification information, must be completed and submitted to DC Health by June15, 2021 for the 1st closing date. Tier II cycle will close July 30, 2021.
The anticipated contract start date for selected applicants is August 15, 2021.
You can apply at bit.ly/2MzONXV.
HPLRP Application Technical Assistance Conference Call for Fall & Spring Webinar (Note: Chrome Extension May Be Required or use Internet Explorer)
Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked
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.
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.
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.
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