MSDC Board Meets with DHCF Chief Medical Officer

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 Meets with DHCF Chief Medical Officer

Jun 26, 2024, 10:02 AM by MSDC Staff

Dr. Liburd had a conversation with the MSDC Board about the two organizations' shared priorities.

As part of the Society's continued collaboration with the District government, the Board of Directors invited Dr. Chimene Liburd, the new Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF), to present at our June Directors' meeting.

Dr. Liburd spoke with the Board about DHCF's management structure, her goals for working with healthcare stakeholders, and department goals that will impact the healthcare community. The Board and Dr. Liburd had a robust discussion on shared priorities as well as pain points for the physician community with Medicaid. The conversation continues a great working relationship between DHCF and MSDC.

In addition to this presentation, the Board on Monday:

Approved a new "fast track to leadership" plan to help medical students and residents prepare for future leadership opportunities in organized medicine.
Accepted the final report of the Public Health Task Force and thanked it for its work.
Approved the date (November 1) and location (coming soon) for the 2024 annual meeting of members.
Agreed to contract with the Rhode Island Medical Society to staff the Physician Health Program.

The next Board of Directors meeting is September 16 at MSDC's offices.

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.