DC Issues New Requirement on Vaccines for Healthcare Workers

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 Issues New Requirement on Vaccines for Healthcare Workers

Aug 16, 2021, 15:19 PM by MSDC Staff

The new order essentially means you must be vaccinated against COVID-19 if you want to practice medicine in the District.

On Monday, DC Health announced a new requirement that all District healthcare workers must be vaccinated or be regularly tested by September 30.

The new order applies to all licensed and unlicensed health professionals (including EMS workers) who work in the District. By September 30, all healthcare workers are required to get one dose of any of the three EUA vaccines for COVID-19, or face regular testing. However, once the vaccines are granted full federal approval, the ability to opt-out with regular testing ends, and a waiver can only be granted for a religious or medical exemption.

In addition, new licensees for the District are required to show proof of full vaccination as part of an application. Renewing licensees are required to submit proof of vaccination upon renewing their license.

“It’s a very robust requirement, and it is necessary for us to ensure that we’re creating safe environments in our health-care facilities, and in any place where people receive health care . . . to make sure we can prevent outbreaks,” Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt said, according to The Washington Post. “We all saw what happened last year during the peak of the pandemic when health-care workers themselves were succumbing to the infection because they didn’t have opportunity for protection with a vaccine.”

Keep an eye on this space for more information.

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.