MSDC Concludes Another Successful Council Session

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 Concludes Another Successful Council Session

Dec 30, 2022, 08:17 AM by MSDC staff

Summary of action in 2021-2022 showed MSDC was active on a variety of priorities.

With the conclusion of the 24th DC Council session, MSDC has created a legislative scorecard showing the success of its advocacy agenda these past two years. Similar to the past Council sessions, MSDC saw progress on a wide number of issues.

You can read our scorecard here.

MSDC establishes its advocacy priorities through its Advocacy Committee and Board of Directors. Learn more about how MSDC determines whether a bill receives a "support" or "priority support" ranking here.

The scorecard does not include other advocacy victories outside of legislation that MSDC saw this year. Other areas of success include:

Being appointed to the Mayor's Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce
Working with DC Health to establish a temporary medical license process
Pushing DC Health to negotiate with Maryland and Virginia on regional reciprocity
Testifying on issues like certificate of need changes and marijuana testing in pregnant patients.
Testifying at numerous oversight and budget hearings to discuss issues like physician health, support for independent practices, and increased funding from DC government agencies.

The 2023-2024 Council period will be even busier than before, so make your voice heard! Use this link to let us know the issues of interest to you and how you want to get involved.

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.