MSDC Board Discussed Empowering Patients at June Meeting

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 Board Discussed Empowering Patients at June Meeting

Jun 28, 2022, 10:09 AM by MSDC staff

MSDC's Board of Directors held its third meeting of the year to discuss major priorities for the organization.

The MSDC Board launched its summer meeting with a special presentation on Monday. The meeting was held virtually and on-location at the MSDC headquarters on Pennsylvania Ave NW.

The meeting began with a special presentation by Dr. Melissa Clarke entitled, "Empowering Patients, Improving Outcomes". Dr. Clarke is a noted speaker and author on cultural competency with patients and within medicine. Her presentation focused on how providers can listen better to patients and approach medical conversations with a better understanding on their patients' experiences. The Board members shared reflections on their interactions with patients and how cultural competency shaped those talks.

2022 annual meeting of members as October 28, 2022 at the American Institute of Architects.
Asked the Membership Committee to report on a potential tiered membership at the June 2023 meeting.
Deferred a discussion on bylaws changes until September 2022.
Approved two new members of the Nominating Committee

The next MSDC Board meeting is September 19 at 6:30 PM at a location to be determined. Members in good standing can request an invitation to the meeting by contacting Robert Hay Jr.

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.