Mayor Declares New Public Health Emergency

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.

Mayor Declares New Public Health Emergency

Jan 12, 2022, 09:02 AM by MSDC Staff

The new declaration is limited in scope to dealing with the medical needs of the District population. This story will be updated as information becomes available.

On Tuesday, Mayor Muriel Bowser's office released a new declaration of a limited public health emergency. The order comes as DC hospitals and health care facilities are seeing a patient volume increase due to COVID omicron infections, seasonal flu, and other maladies.

The order is limited as it deals with, "hospitals and medical facilities and related personnel, including mortuary services." The emergency declaration expires January 26, 2022. The Director of DC Health (Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt) is given authority to issue administrative orders authorized by the declaration.

Once these orders are issued, MSDC will update this story.

Update: DC Health has released the administrative order - see here.

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.