Council Debates Healthcare Licenses, MCOs, and Vaccine Mandates

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.

Council Debates Healthcare Licenses, MCOs, and Vaccine Mandates

Oct 5, 2021, 20:45 PM by MSDC Staff

The DC Council discussed a number of pandemic and health issues in its first meeting after summer recess.

Meeting formally for the first time since passing the budget, the DC Council debated a number of healthcare bills of interest to the physician community.

Of primary interest is the "Preserve Our Healthcare Workers" temporary and emergency bills introduced by Councilmember Vincent Gray. The bills extend the temporary license language in place from DC Health for the maximum time allowed by emergency and temporary bills. It also requires any healthcare practitioner using a "temporary license" to be fully vaccinated (as defined by DC Health). The bill is important to the District healthcare community because it allows health facilities to maintain needed staffing levels while healthcare licenses are approved. In addition, practitioners in Maryland and Virginia who are awaiting license approval while treating DC patients can continue to treat their patients.

In addition, the Council discussed legislation extending the three current managed care organization contracts for an additional nine months. This action allows the three previously approved MCOs to continue covering Medicaid beneficiaries until the new rebid process is complete. MSDC and other healthcare associations sent a letter to the Mayor and Council asking them to work together on the MCO contracting issues that could have deprived DC residents of care during this COVID Delta surge. The hope is this compromise will indeed preserve beneficiaries' access to care.

The Council also addressed other healthcare topics, including:

Requiring the Council itself and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19
How students can opt into virtual learning due to risk from COVID-19

Physicians interested in learning more or becoming involved in advocacy are welcome to share their interests with MSDC here or calling 202-466-1800.

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.