MSDC Calls for Fee Reduction, Wellbeing Resources in District Budget

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 Calls for Fee Reduction, Wellbeing Resources in District Budget

Jun 14, 2021, 08:32 AM by MSDC Staff

Dr. Emanuel thanked the District for proposed HPLRP funding and suggested ways to support physicians within the budget.

As part of the District FY22 budget process, MSDC President Dr. EW Emanuel submitted written testimony on Friday to the District's Committee on Health. The Committee held a hearing on the DC Health portion of the District's budget.

Of note in the Mayor's budget (which we analyzed earlier) was a one-time boost to the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program. MSDC is a proponent of the program to allow healthcare professionals to receive loan repayment assistance for practicing in a medically underserved area.

Dr. Emanuel also made some suggestions for ways for the District to spend its surplus to support the District's healthcare heroes this year and next. The entire testimony can be seen below.

June 11, 2021

Re: Written testimony of EW Emanuel, MD
President, Medical Society of the District of Columbia

Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony to the committee as part of the FY22 budget process. My name is Dr. EW Emanuel, and I am the 2020-2021 President of the Medical Society of DC. As MSDC is a 204-year-old organization, I am not the first president to serve during a global pandemic, and I know I will not be the last. How the District approaches the budget this year and in years to come will ensure we learn the lessons of past pandemics to prevent disruption and death in the next one.

COVID-19 taught us an important lesson – a holistic approach to health care is essential. We cannot depend on one industry or one part of the health care sector to solve society’s health needs. MSDC is committed to continue working with the other health care organizations testifying today to improve the health of the District.

MSDC is pleased the budget contains funding for the Health Professionals Loan Repayment Program. This program provides physicians and allied health professionals needed financial support to practice where the need is greatest. Many people do not realize the financial burdens of creating a new practice – programs like HPLRP alleviate some of those concerns and make setting up a practice feasible.

As the Committee on Health thinks about ways to improve the FY22 budget, I would suggest the following areas:

• Create a fund to promote wellbeing programs or resources for healthcare providers, to prevent the epidemic of burnout hitting the medical profession
• Reduce the fees medical professionals must pay for a license, which the Bowser Administration is doing for non-medical licenses
• Assist DC Health in creating a process for expedited licensure for Maryland and Virginia physicians who meet DC licensure qualifications
• Reform medical liability laws to offer some protection to physicians acting in good faith
• Direct federal money to create a healthcare workforce training fund, to ensure all medical facilities can hire and recruit qualified professionals

As we have been doing since the District Council was created, MSDC and the physician community looks forward to working with you to make the District the best place to practice medicine.

Sincerely,

EW Emanuel, MD

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.