MSDC email to members on the COVID vaccine requirements and CME

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.

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MSDC email to members on the COVID vaccine requirements and CME

Sep 7, 2021, 15:36 PM by MSDC Staff

MSDC has created a guide to help members sift through the changing COVID requirements for healthcare licensees.

We know that doctors have been receiving a flurry of emails regarding DC's COVID-related mandates. To help you sift through the mandates and juggle your busy schedules, MSDC has prepared a summary overview with information about the scope of the requirements, who they impact and how to comply.

OVERVIEW

In summary, the two upcoming requirements are:

1) COVID Vaccination Requirement
"All licensees in the District of Columbia are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 [and] report their vaccine status via [DC Health's] online tool". They must obtain at least a first dose by September 30 (with certain exemptions).

2) COVID CME Requirement
Doctors of Medicine and Osteopathy (and other licensees) "must complete two (2) hours of continuing education on COVID-19 vaccines, including, but not limited to, COVID-19 vaccine safety, best practices for counseling patients about COVID-19 vaccines, and COVID-19 vaccine efficacy and effectiveness, on or before September 30, 2021."
Unlike the vaccination requirement, there is not a September reporting deadline for this mandate.

Where resources are available?
MSDC is arranging a variety of complimentary CE featuring local physician experts and national leaders from the AMA. Details are coming soon so watch this space! DC Health also has several free options.

What is MSDC doing?
MSDC vigorously opposes content-specific mandates and made a strong statement against the CE mandate. We are continuously updating our website with information you need to know and posting updates to social media.

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.