MSDC President Dr. Ashesh Patel's Statement on Markup of B25-545

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 President Dr. Ashesh Patel's Statement on Markup of B25-545

Mar 21, 2024, 19:20 PM by Ashesh D. Patel, MD FACP

MSDC remains concerned about the bill's scope of practice expansions but thanks the committee members and staff for their work on the bill.

MSDC and the physician community would like to thank the Committee on Health for marking up B25-545, the Health Occupations Revision General Amendment Act. We especially want to thank the Council members and staff for allowing us the opportunity to express concern with provisions in the original bill that would endanger patient safety and remove the physician from the center of the healthcare team. Even though we are pleased to see some changes, we will continue to work with the entire Council to ensure that the legislation removes persistent language that would place the District behind other states in terms of standards of care, affordability, efficiency and patient safety.

- Ashesh D. Patel, MD FACP

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.